Fire Advisory Issued | Whitecourt Forest Area

Fire Advisory in Effect

Due to dry conditions, gusting wind speeds and warm weather a Fire Advisory has been declared for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Effecitve at 12:00hrs, April 28, 2016.

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.
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.

Wildfire Hazard

Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 kilometres per hour tomorrow.

Cooler temperatures over the past two days have reduced the wildfire hazard to MODERATE for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Today, temperatures will remain around 17 degrees Celsius, wind will be south east in direction at 20 kilometres per hour. Rain is in the forecast for Saturday. 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.

Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke in the forest.

Wildfire Update

Whitecourt Forest Area | April 27 @ 12:00 hrs

Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area but firefighters are assisting other municipalities with five wildfires:

Whitecourt Area Wildfire (WTO-001) is located within the boundaries of the Town of Whitecourt. Assistance was requested by the Town of Whitecourt at 4:30 p.m today, April 26. Currently, 10 firefighters and one piece of heavy equipment assisting with this wildfire. For more information on this wildfire, watch the Town's FaceBook Page and listen to local media for updates.
Mayerthorpe Area Wildfire (WCU-004) is located approximately 2 kilometres south west of the town of Mayerthorpe. Assistance was requested by Lac Ste. Anne County at approximately 3:00p.m. April 26. Currently, firefighters are helping to monitor the situation and will continue until assistance is no longer required.
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, 68 firefighters 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 nine firefighters assisting with this wildfire.

To date, there have been 13 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area which have burned 7.25 hectares. At this time last year, there had been 6 wildfires and no requests for assistance from near-by municipalities. Please do your part and help prevent wildfires. Learn more about off-highway vehicles and campfires.

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.