Whitecourt Area Update

Fire Ban Remains for Whitecourt and Area - May 26

Posted on Tue, May 26, 2015

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-extremeToday's temperature will be 24 degrees Celsius, with winds at 10 km/hr. The warm, dry conditions will keep the Wildfire Hazard EXTREME in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA).

The conditions in the forest are very dry and under windy conditions a fire will spread very quickly. Use extreme caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

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FIRE BAN IN EFFECT

FIRE BAN was issued May 25 for the Whitecourt WMA and most of northern Alberta. No outdoor fires are permitted at this time.  
What is prohibited? A CAMPFIRE or any outdoor fire is NOT  at this time in (this includes fires in campgrounds, backcountry or random camping areas).
What is allowed? Gas or propane stoves or barbeques and portable propane fire pits (not charcoal briquettes).
All FIRE PERMITS are suspended or canceled. No new fire permits will be issued while the ban is in place.
What does this mean for industry members? A fire ban means no industrial burning (burn piles). Continue to abide by your Industrial Wildfire Control Plan. Suspend all non-essential flaring.
The Fire Bans is in place for your protection, it will help decrease the number of human-caused wildfires in the WWMA and across the province. This will allow firefighters to focus on existing or new wildfire. Remember: if you are found in violation of the ban, you could be considered liable for all firefighting costs associated with you fire, and fined up to $5000.

Wildfire Update (1230hrs, May 26)

Currently, there are no wildfires in the WWMA.

Since April 1, 2015, there have been 26 wildfires in the WWMA which have burned 26.05 hectares.

There are 65 wildfires burning in Alberta: 18 are out of control, 20 are being held, 26 are under control, and one has been turned over to the responsible party. 

Wildfires of note: 

o   SWF-076 is considered out of control and is located approximately 22 km north east of Slave Lake. There are 16 firefighters and two helicopters fighting this 139 hectare wildfire Area Update

o   LWF-122 is considered out of control and is located approximately 40 km north of Cold Lake on the Canadian Weapons Range. There are 87 firefighters, 16 helicopters and two airtankers fighting this 10,000 hectare wildfire. Area update

o   EWF-039 is considered out of control and is located approximately 44 km north west of Edson. There are 82 firefighters and five helicopters fighting this 637 hectare wildfire. Area Update

Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 687 wildfires that have burned a total of 18,435.22 hectares.

 

Fire Bans or Restrictions in the Area

If you live, work or recreate within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) you will be in someway effected by either a FIRE BAN or FIRE RESTRICTION. Here is a look at what is happening right now. If you want to learn more go to: Albertafirebans.ca.
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What can you do to help?

We can not control the weather but we can control the start of a fire. Please do not do any burning at this time. We truly appreciate your cooperation. Abiding by the fire ban helps keep our firefighters free to fight new wildfire starts.For information on the fire ban visit www.albertafirebans.ca or call 1-866-FYI-FIRE.
If you are using an an Off-highway Vehicle during your day, periodically stop and check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches or debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire. Learn more here.

Questions? contact me. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update May 27th.

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Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer

Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273
mobile: 780.706.5336