As of March 1, all winter burn sites are to be extinguished and a fire permit is required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. To get your free fire permit in the Whitecourt Forest Area get started by calling the office at 780-778-7272.
Wildfire Hazard
The spring wildfire hazard in the Whitecourt Forest Area is here. As snow melts, dry grass and branches on the ground are exposed. This fine material catches fire quickly and will spread fast - these conditions increase the risk of a wildfire.
Did You Burn This Winter?
Please go back and check your burn sites (including campfires) now to make sure they are properly extinguished. A fire can burn silently underground over the winter and when the conditions are right, it can come back to life, starting a wildfire.
When you get to the burn site:
- Roll woody material over, probe both it and the ground. You are searching for smoldering material, smoke or heat. Use your bare hand to check for heat.
- Be thorough and walk around the entire burn site.
- If you find any active spots, stop and pour water on them. Soak it ,stir it and soak it again. Repeat until there is no heat.
Whitecourt Forest Area | February 23 at 10am
Since April 1, 2015 there have been 96 wildfires that have burned 73.10 hectares in the Whiteocurt Forest Area. For information on wildfires across the province, visit Wildfire.Alberta.ca
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update March 11, 2016.
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
office: 780.778.7273 | mobile: 780.706.5336
t...