Whitecourt Area Update

Low Wildfire Hazard for the Weekend

Posted on Fri, Aug 07, 2015

GFX-HSB-WildfireDangerUpdate-Low

Wildfire Hazard

Rain and cooler temperatures keep the wildfire hazard at LOW for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA).

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Image: Potential wildfire hazard forecast for the province, 
including Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (outlined in black).

Lower temperatures and recent rain provided temporary relief to the dry conditions we have seen over the past few months. However, we continue to need more rain to reduce the risk of a wildfire starting. This is why we are relying on you to take action and prevent the start of a wildfire. Thank you for supporting us!

 

Weather

Temperatures over the weekend and into early next week will remain above 20 degrees Celsius, with light winds. Thunderstorm activity is expected to continue through the weekend. The risk of of lightning-started wildfires remains; please report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

 

Be Wildfire-Smart

Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires. Take the time to remove the buildup of grass, branches or other debris from your machine. This material can ignite, fall from your machine and start a wildfire. Areas of most concern include: exhaust and muffler systems, wheel wells, under the seat and in the engine and manifold systems. Learn more here.

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Having a Campfire? Make sure your campfire is fully extinguished. A campfire can burn deep into the ground and flare up again in dry or windy weather. Soak the ashes and stir them. Keep soaking the ashes until they are cool to the touch. Even if you are going for a short hike, make sure your campfire is out. Learn more here.

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Local Wildfires 
August 7, 2015 at 11:00am

In the last 24 hours, there have been no new wildfire in the Whitecourt WMA. There are no wildfires burning at this time.

Since April 1, 2015 there have been 77 wildfires that have burned 68.31 hectares.

Provincial Wildfires 
August 7, 2015 at 11:00am

There has been one new wildfires in the last 24 hours. Alberta currently has 51 wildfires, 10 are classified as being held, 39 are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party. One wildfire has been extinguished within the last 24 hours.

Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 1,582 wildfires that have burned a total of 486,965.84 hectares. For more information, please visit the wildfire status map on our website at www.wildfire.alberta.ca. Or you can download the Alberta Wildfire App for android or apple products.

 

Fire Permits
BEFORE YOU BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT

If you want to do any burning, excluding campfires within the Forest Protection Area (FPA); you need to get a fire permit:

  • Fire permits are free. To get the process started call 780-778-7272.
  • Please call a week in advance of when you would like to burn in order to give our staff time to make arrangements to come out to your site and issue your permit.
  • Fore efficiency, please have your site ready according to the burning site guidelines. before staff arrive. For your safety, a site visit is required in most cases.
  • All permits must be completely extinguished before they expire, if you need more information make sure to ask.
    get_your_fire_permit

 

Alberta Fire Bans    

The Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area does not have a fire ban, restriction or advisory in place. This means in most parts of the Whitecourt WMA, safe campfires and burning are allowed at this time.

Other management areas within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) and some municipalities (including towns, summer villages, counties or provincial parks) have a fire advisory, restriction or ban in place. Please visit www.albertafirebans.ca to ensure that there is not a fire ban or restriction in your area before burning.

 

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update August 14.


Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273 | mobile: 780.706.5336

 

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