FIRE ADVISORY
As of April 28, a Fire Advisory was issued for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA). Dry conditions can cause extreme fire behaviour and allows fires to grow rapidly. All permits are now suspended and no new permits will be issued until the Fire Advisory is lifted.
Under the Fire Advisory safe campfires are permitted in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas. Residents and visitors are urged to be cautious and postpone any burning until conditions change.
HIGH WILDFIRE HAZARD
The WWMA continues to remain dry keeping the wildfire hazard HIGH. Areas of dead, dry grass are extremely flammable and under windy conditions a fire will spread quickly.
For more information, check www.Albertafirebans.ca
WILDFIRE UPDATE (April 29)
As of 1100 hours today, there is currently one wildfire in the WWMA. WWF-004 is located approximately 100 km Northeast of Whitecourt, it is 0.4 hectares in size and has been turned over to the responsible party. Since April 1, 2015 the WWMA has recorded seven wildfires which have burned just over 4 hectares.
There are currently 14 fires burning in Alberta. One is being held, three are under control and 10 have been turned over to the responsible party.
There are two lightning wildfires still burning from July 2014. The boundaries of these wildfires have been extinguished, and they continue to burn in some spots safely within.
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 149 new wildfires.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
If you have done burning on your land recently it’s a good idea to check your burn pile. Spread out remaining ash and unburnt fuel and probe the area, you are looking for hot spots. Carefully using your hand, feel for heat over the ash pile. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning beneath the surface. Drench any remaining hot spots with water and stir up the ashes.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be April 30.
Jamel Geddes
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780-778-7272