Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Hazard

WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE

A significant amount of rain on the ground keeps the wildfire hazard low in the Whitecourt Forest Area. If you see smoke in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).

SMOKE IN THE AIR

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia drifted into the Whitecourt Forest Area. To see the latest smoke forecast, go to: www.firesmoke.ca If you have health concerns because of the smoke, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.

Learn more about Alberta's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to gain a better understanding of how the air quality around you effects your health.

WILDFIRE UPDATE 10:00 a.m., July 13, 2017

There are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since the start of the 2017 wildfire season, there have been 20 wildfires that have burned 10.13 hectares in the Forest Area.

In the Province of Alberta, there are 15 wildfires; 10 are classified as under control and five have been turned over to the responsible party.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 699 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,860.32 hectares. For information visit the provincial wildfire status map.

HANDY TIPS WHEN HAVING A CAMPFIRE

Before you leave to go camping, check albertafirebans.ca for information about fire restrictions or bans. Once you find out that you can have a campfire, here are some tips to make it a safe experience:

Select your site - use a designated stove, ring or fire pit if possible. Use sites clear of dry grass, bushes, leave branches and other flammable vegetation.
Prepare your campfire - have the right tools including a shovel, axe and enough water to fully extinguish your campfire.
Extinguish your campfire - soak it, stir it, soak it again. Using your bare hand, feel for heat coming from the ashes, it should be cool to the touch.

Leaving a campfire unattended will result in a fine of $287 under the Forest Prairie and Protection Act. If an individual does not properly extinguish a fire and it starts a wildfire they can be charged up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years. Read more here.

Learn more about the changes made to the Forest Prairie and Protection Act by visiting fppa.alberta.ca.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR USING AN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE

Remove debris - keep your machine debris free by checking it before, during and after a ride.
Strategic parking - park your OHV on bare mineral soil if possible, do not park it in areas of dead, dry grass.
Exit and check - when possible, drive out on the path you drove in on. This will help you check for fires that may have started.