Whitecourt Area Update

A snowfall warning has been issued for Fox Creek, Swan Hills and Whitecourt by Environment Canada; winds are expecting to gust up to 50 kilometers per hour. The recent snow and rain has reduced the wildfire hazard in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA) to low.

Even though snow and rain will reduce the wildfire hazard risk in most of the WWMA, areas of dead, dry grass are very flammable. A fire will spread quickly once warmer temperatures return next week.

FIRE PERMITS

Remember that a fire permit is required for all fires, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area. If you already have a fire permit check your permit conditions before you burn; you are not to burn when winds exceed 15 kilometers per hour.

New fire permits will continue to be issued depending on type of material being burnt and site conditions. To get your free fire permit call 780-778-7272.

Find out more information on www.albertafirebans.ca.

WILDFIRE UPDATE (April 24, 2015)

As of 10 am today, there is currently one wildfire in the WWMA. WWF-004 is almost 105 kilometers north east of Whitecourt and has been turned over to the responsible party. Since April 1, 2015 the WWMA has recorded seven wildfires which have burned just over 4 hectares. 

There are currently 20 wildfires burning in Alberta. Seven are under control and 13 have been turned over to the responsible party.

There are two lightning wildfires still burning from July 2014. The boundaries of these wildfires have been extinguished, and they continue to burn in some spots safely within.

Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 168 new wildfires, which have burned 375 hectares.

Unless conditions change, expect your next update on May 1, 2015.