Wildfire Hazard
The wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area remains VERY HIGH. This means a wildfire will start easily and increase quickly in intensity. Areas of dry grass and branches are of the greatest concern for developing a high-intensity wildfire, avoid these areas in particular during your time in forested areas.
The forecast for this weekend is warm and dry, the wind is expected to be light. Under these dry conditions even the slightest wind makes the forest more receptive to wildfire - the potential for extreme fire intensity and erratic behavior also increases.
Every precaution is being taken to ensure no new preventable wildfires are started - these will put additional strain on firefighters. Please follow the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Restriction.
Fire Ban Remains in Effect - Amended May 13
The Whitecourt Forest Area remains under a Fire Ban. The Fire Ban was amended on May 13 and is now applies to Alberta’s Forest Protection Area in northern and central Alberta and all counties, municipal districts and special areas, as well as provincial parks and recreation areas.
All existing Fire Permits continue to be canceled in the area and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve.
NOTE: The fire ban does not apply to cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands, such as national parks. A county or municipal district may decide to add additional restrictions – please check the new Alberta Fire Ban website at beta.albertafirebans.ca for more information.
Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction - Amended May 13
As of noon on May 13, the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for recreational use on all public lands within the northern portion of the province of Alberta are still restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires. This applies to the Whitecourt Forest Area.
- Off-highway vehicles are defined as any all-terrain vehicle (ATV), four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles and related two-wheel vehicles and amphibious machines.
- 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.
Smoke in the Air
Smoke has to drifted into the area from the wildfire burning in the Fort McMurray area. More information can be found at firesmoke.ca.
If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
Wildfire Update
Whitecourt Forest Area Update | May 14 @ 10:00 a.m.
Currently, no wildfires are burning in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since April 1, 2016 there have been 24 wildfires that have burned 9.73 hectares.
Our firefighters are strategically positioned within our Forest Area to take action on new wildfires - they are ready! Do your part by learning about the current Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restrictions in our area. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. From home owners, to industry and government we all have responsibility to lessen the effects of wildfire, learn more at FireSmartCanada.ca.
Image: Airtankers at the Whitecourt Airtanker Base. Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are strategically located in the area and are ready for any new wildfire starts.
Provincial Update | May 14 @ 10:00 a.m.
- In the last 24 hours there have been six new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- There are currently 15 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One is considered out of control, four are being held, six are under control and four have been turned over to the responsible party.
- Wildfire update for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
- Wildfire update for the Peace River Forest Area.
Since April 1, 2016, Alberta has recorded 422 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 263,383.21 hectares.
For more information about wildfires across the province visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
No one knows for sure when disaster will strike.
The one thing we can do is be prepared. Create your own 72-hour emergency kit, and you will have the necessary items to help you and your family until emergency responders can reach you. visit www.aema.alberta.ca/72-hour-emergency-kit.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next update on May 16, 2016.
