Wildfire Update
Whitecourt Forest Area | April 28 @ 3:00p.m.
Currently, there is one wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
WWF014 ( Legal Land 01-25-57-10-5) is currently out of control at 0.50 hecatres in size. It is located east of Township Road 751 (also known as the Nojack Road). Located just over 12 kilometres west of the Town of Mayerthorpe, no communities are currently threatened by this wildfire. Ten firefighters, two helicopters and airtankers are working hard to contain this wildfire.
Firefighters are assisting other municipalities with two wildfires:
- Duffield Area Wildfires (WCU-001/WIR-001) these two wildfires are located in the area of Duffield, Alberta. Assistance was requested by both Parkland County and Wabamun Indian Reserve No. 133A on April 17. Currently, 87 firefighters are assisting with these wildfires.
- Onoway Area Wildfire (WCU-002) is located approximately 24 kilometres north west of St. Albert, Alberta. Assistance was requested at 10:00 pm on April 18 by Lac Ste. Anne County. There are 26 firefighters assisting with this wildfire.
Fire Advisory in Effect
Effective April 27, 2016, a Fire Advisory was declared for the Whitecourt Forest Area. The Advisory is in place because of the dry, warm weather and windy conditions.
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Current Fire Permits are canceled, except for those issued for seasonal burn barrels and incinerators. Please check the conditions of your permit before you burn.
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No new permits will be issued until conditions change.
- Safe campfires are still allowed but are not recommended until weather conditions change.
The Advisory will remain in place until conditions improve. If you have questions about Fire Permits within the Whitecourt Forest Area call 780-778-7272.
Burning activities may become restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. For more information on Fire Advisories, Restrictions or Bans across the province, visit AlbertaFirebans.ca.
Learn more about the Fire Ban System and how it is used to notify you of potential impacts for burning or camping.
Wildfire Hazard
Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 kilometres per hour today.
Warm temperatures and wind gusts push the wildfire hazard to VERY HIGH for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Today, temperatures will remain around 15 degrees Celsius, wind will be southeast in direction at 20 kilometres per hour, gusting to 50 kilometres per hour. Rain is in the forecast for Friday. Until there is a significant amount of rain on the ground, the forest remains dry.
Areas of dry grass and branches pose the most significant risk of wildfire. Wildfire in these areas will start easily and spread quickly, making it very hard for firefighters to control.
Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke in the forest.
For information on wildfires across the province, visit Wildfire.Alberta.ca To learn about Fire Advisories, Restrictions or Bans across the province, visit AlbertaFirebans.ca.
Camping Season is Almost Here, Get Ready with Campfire Safety!
