Whitecourt Area Update

NEW WILDFIRE IN THE WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

There is a new wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area. WWF-038 is 50 hectares in size and is listed as out of control. It is located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Fox Creek. 

There are three tanker groups working the wildfire. Additionally, three helicopters, bulldozers and 20 wildfire fighters have been assigned to the incident.

If you see a wildfire - call 310-FIRE.

CAMPIRE SAFETY

SOAK IT, STIR IT, AND SOAK IT AGAIN

• Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.

• Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam. Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.

• Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.

• If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

FIRESMART  

Last week cross-training between Alberta Wildfire and the Whitecourt Fire Department took place. The fire department trained Alberta Wildfire staff how to conduct Home Assessments under the FireSmart program. If you would like to book your free home assessment you can email the  Whitecourt Fire Department at firedepartment@whitecourt.ca. 

For more FireSmart information please visit https://firesmartcanada.ca/

REQUEST A FIRE PERMIT

Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire.

To request a free fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Fort McMurray forest office by calling 780-743-7125.

For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 37 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 38.26 ha. 

To view the wildfires on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. It provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. 

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination. 

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

Social Media:

Join the conversation on

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.