WILDFIRE HAZARD
The wildfire hazard is LOW for the Whitecourt Forest Area. We still need your help reporting and preventing wildfires.
Passing thunderstorms can produce lightning - starting a wildfire. If you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).
HANDY TIPS WHEN HAVING A CAMPFIRE...
- 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. When its out, you will not be able to feel any heat or see smoke.
TIPS WHEN USING AN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV)
Grasses, branches and mud can build-up on your OHV, ignite, fall from your machine and start a wildfire. Prevent wildfires by keeping your machine debris free.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
To date, there have been 32 wildfires that have burned 670.88 hectares in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
FIRESMART
Keep your lawn beautiful and FireSmart at the same time! Mow grass within 10 metres of buildings regularly. Learn more easy tips at FireSmart.ca. What is FireSmart?
Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. From home owners, to industry and government we all have responsibility to lessen the effects of wildfire. Managing vegetation, such as grass, address the wildfire reality by decreasing the amount of vegetation that can fuel a wildfire.
JUNIOR FOREST RANGERS ARRIVE IN THE AREA!
The Whitecourt Forest Area is hosting one Junior Forest Ranger crew this year! Make sure to check out the Jiffer Journal and the JFR Facebook page to find out what the crews are up to this summer.
Image: Junoir Forest Rangers stop for a group picture after orientation and training at the Hinton Training Centre earlier this month.
FIRE PERMITS
Help firefighters by getting a fire permit. Avoid a false alarm and make sure firefighters are where they are needed - not in your backyard.
A fire permit is required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. If you are in the Whitecourt Forest Area, get the permit process started today by calling: 780-778-7272.
Tip: Check the weather forecast before you burn, do not burn if the wind speed is over 15 kilometres per hour. Learn more about how to prepare a burn site.
ALBERTA FIRE BANS
For information on current advisories, restrictions and fire bans in the province, visit the Alberta Fire Ban website at: beta.albertafirebans.ca and/or check local municipal websites for updates.
Unless conditions change, your next email update will be on July 21, 2016.
We are mobile! Check the Alberta Wildfire App for mobile Android or Apple products.
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
Email: Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
Office: 780-778-7273 | Mobile: 780-706-5336
