WILDFIRE HAZARD
Cooler temperatures and rain have reduced the wildfire hazard to LOW for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Firefighters need your help reporting and preventing wildfires this long weekend. If you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).
LOCAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
There have been no new wildfires since August 3, 2016 in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since April 1, 2016 there have been 36 wildfires in the Area, that have burned just over 671 hectares.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
Visit beta.albertafirebans.ca to learn about fire restrictions or bans across the province.
PREVENTING A WILDFIRE IS EASY
Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires. Preventing this is easy, stop frequently during your ride, check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches or other debris. Remove them and continue to enjoy your ride - learn more, here.
HUNTING SEASON
Please remember to soak it, stir it, soak it again this long weekend! Exercise caution with warming fires and ensure they are fully extinguished. Simply soak the ashes, stir them, and keep soaking the ashes until they are cool to the touch. Learn more, here.
FIRESMART IN THE FALL
If you are living in a forested area, be aware of the wildfire risk and ways you can take action to make your home and community become "FireSmart." Here are some quick and easy ideas to help you get started:
- Regularly remove debris from your eaves. Sparks and embers can easily ignite these materials.
- Store firewood a minimum of 10 metres from any structures.
- Close in any exposed eaves, vents and soffits on your home.
- Mow and water grass within 10 metres of buildings.
Learn more at firesmartcanada.ca
Unless conditions change, your next email update will be on September 9, 2016.
For more frequent updates, check the Alberta Wildfire App for your mobile Android or Apple products. You can also subscribe to the update to have it emailed to you.