Wildfire Update
Whitecourt Forest Area Update | May 15 @ 4:15 p.m.
There is one wildfire burning in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
WWF-025 started at 1:00 p.m. May 15. The wildfire is 11 kilometres north of the Town of Fox Creek - it is moving northwest and away from town. No structures or communities are under threat at this time. The wildfire is OUT CONTROL at 100 hectares in size. 38 firefighters, six helicopters, eight airtankers and various pieces of heavy equipment are fighting this wildfire.
Municipal District of Greenview
No one knows for sure when disaster will strike.
The one thing we can do is be prepared. Create your own 72-hour emergency kit, and you will have the necessary items to help you and your family until emergency responders can reach you. Visit www.aema.alberta.ca/72-hour-emergency-kit.
Wildfire Hazard
The wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area remains VERY HIGH. This means a wildfire will start easily and spread quickly. Areas of dry grass and branches are of the greatest concern for developing a high-intensity wildfire, avoid these areas in particular during your time in forested areas.
The forecast for this weekend is warm and dry, the wind is expected to be light. Under these dry conditions even the slightest wind makes the forest more receptive to wildfire - the potential for extreme fire intensity and erratic behavior also increases.
Every precaution is being taken to ensure no new preventable wildfires are started - these will put additional strain on firefighters. Please follow the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Restriction.
Fire Ban Remains in Effect - Amended May 13
The Whitecourt Forest Area remains under a Fire Ban. The Fire Ban was amended on May 13 and is now applies to Alberta’s Forest Protection Area in northern and central Alberta and all counties, municipal districts and special areas, as well as provincial parks and recreation areas.
All existing Fire Permits continue to be canceled in the area and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve.
NOTE: The fire ban does not apply to cities, towns, villages, summer villages, or federal lands, such as national parks. A county or municipal district may decide to add additional restrictions – please check the new Alberta Fire Ban website at beta.albertafirebans.ca for more information.
Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction - Amended May 13
As of noon on May 13, the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for recreational use on all public lands within the northern and central portions of the province of Alberta are still restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires. This applies to the Whitecourt Forest Area.
- Off-highway vehicles are defined as any all-terrain vehicle (ATV), four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles and related two-wheel vehicles and amphibious machines.
- If Albertan's are witnessing restricted OHV activities they can call the Report a Poacher Line at 1-800-642-3800.
- For more information you can visit emergency.alberta.ca.
Smoke in the Air
Smoke has to drifted into the area from the wildfire burning in the Fort McMurray area. More information can be found at firesmoke.ca.
If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
You can expect your next update on May 15, 2016 at 8:00 p.m.
