Wildfire Update
There is one wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Iosegun Lake Fire (WWF025)- started at 1:00 p.m. May 15. The wildfire is classified as UNDER CONTROL - meaning the wildfire is not going to spread. The wildfire remains at 657 hectares in size, the most up to date map of the wildfire is here.
Today, 25 firefighters and one helicopter will continue to search and extinguish areas of smoldering ground fire. This is final next step in fully extinguishing the wildfire.
To date, there have been 28 wildfires that have burned 671.53 hectares in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
For information on the current wildfire situation in the province of Alberta, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
Wildfire Hazard
The wildfire hazard is LOW for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Wildfires will not start easily unless from an intense heat source like lighting. Don't let the wet conditions fool you - we still need your help in preventing wildfires.
The forecast for Wednesday and Thursday sunny with cloudy periods, a risk of thunderstorms in the afternoon allowing for the chance of lighting.
Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction Lifted For Most Areas of the Province.
You can now have campfires and use your off-highway vehicle in the Whitecourt Forest Area. If you are in the Fort McMurray Forest Areas, the Fire Ban and OHV Restriction is still in effect; for more information visit Alberta Fire Ban website.
Your local municipality may have their own advisory or restriction in place, check the Alberta Fire Ban website.
We still need your help preventing wildfires while you are out in the forest...
Fire Permits
Help firefighters by getting a fire permit. Avoid a false alarm and make sure firefighters are where they are needed, not in your backyard.
A fire permit is required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. If you are in the Whitecourt Forest Area, get the permit process started today by calling: 780-778-7272.
No one knows when an emergency will happen - but you can be prepared.
- Sign up for the free emergency alert app or www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca to get the most up to date alerts and updates on evacuations and other emergencies in the province.
- For information on how you can prepare yourself for the event that an evacuation is necessary, visit www.aema.alberta.ca/72-hour-emergency-kit
Unless conditions change, your next update will be on May 27, 2016.
