Dry, warm conditions in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA) keep the wildfire hazard at EXTREME.
Thunderstorms are expected this afternoon, with an increased risk of lightning started wildfires. Please report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473)
In these conditions, wildfires can start easily, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity; making it difficult for firefighters to safely work on a wildfire. Please do your part and help us prevent wildfires.
How Can You Help?
If you are using 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.
SMOKE IN THE AIR
Smoke from wildfires burning across western Canada may drift across the province. Alberta Health Services issued a precautionary air quality advisory on July 3. Residents with health concerns should contact Alberta Health Link by calling 8-1-1. Smoke forecasts are available here.
You can learn more about Alberta's Air Quality Health Index or call 1-877-247-7333.
The fire advisory for the area continues. Safe campfires are allowed, however fire permits are suspended. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for the latest fire ban information across the province.
Local Wildfires
In the last 24 hours, there have been no new wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA. Thank you for preventing wildfires from starting! As of July 10, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. there are three wildfires in the area. Firefighters have each of these wildfires under control.
Since April 1, 2015, there have been 46 wildfires which have burned 65.51 hectares.
Provincial Wildfires
In the last 24 hours there have been 13 new wildfires.
As of July 10 at 10:00am there are 99 wildfires. 29 are out of control, 24 are being held, and 45 are under control. For more information click here or download the Alberta Wildfire App for android or apple.
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 1,323 wildfires that have burned a total of 463,786.14 hectares.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 11.
Janelle Lane | Wildfire Information Officer
mobile: 780.217.1285
