Wildfire Update
Wildfire Hazard
With the cooling temperatures the wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area has been reduced to moderate. Although we have received some rain and cooler temperatures in the Whitecourt Forest Area, the fire ban will remain in place.
The forecast for Wednesday is cooler temperatures with lights winds. There is the potential for smoke from the Fort McMurray fires to start entering the area on Wednesday.
Smoke in the Air
- If you have health concerns regarding smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
- The map below shows the smoke forecast for Wednesday May 11, the smoke is anticipated to move into the area in the afternoon of May 11.
Whitecourt Forest Area - Wildfire Update
There was one new wildfire start in the Whitecourt Forest Area yesterday it is considered to be extinguished, reaching 0.01 ha in size. There is still one wildfire burning in the area and it is considered to be 'under control'.
- WWF-023 - started May 8 and is located 2.5 km north of Goose Lake. No structures or communities are under threat. The wildfire is UNDER CONTROL at 0.42 ha. Helicopters, ground crews and heavy equipment were deployed to assess and fight the wildfire.
Firefighters will continue to action this fire until it is extinguished.
Since April 1, 2016 there have been 24 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area that have burned 9.86 hectares.
For more information about wildfires across the province visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
Due to the extreme fire hazard in northern Alberta, a province-wide Fire Ban has been declared. All existing Fire Permits are canceled and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve.
The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands within the province of Alberta are being restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires.
- If Albertan's are witnessing restricted OHV activities they can call the Report a Poacher Line at 1-800-642-3800.
- For more information you can visit emergency.alberta.ca.