The wildfire hazard is HIGH in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management A rea (WWMA).

Many wildfires are burning north of the Management Area. Smoke has been drifting into the area from the wildfires burning in High Level and Fort McMurray areas. If you have any smoke related health concerns, call Alberta Health Link by dialing 811. Learn more about the Air Quality Health Index here.

Local Wildfires (information current as of July 1, 7:00pm)

There are two wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA:

WWF-045
Status: Out Of Control.
Size: 10.0 hectares in size.
Location: Currently, 11 kilometres south of the town of Swan Hills, east of Highway 32. It is 3.5 kilometres northeast of the Freeman River Provincial Recreation Area. There are no communities at risk.
Current activity on the wildfire: 39 firefighters, five helicopters, various airtankers and heavy equipment are fighting this wildfire. Heavy equipment are building a fire guard around the north and south flanks of the wildfire, helicopters and airtankers are supporting these efforts; the wildfire is currently moving towards the east.

Image: WWF-045 located 11 kilometres south of the town of Swan Hills.

WWF-044
Status: Under Control
Size: 0.80 hectares in size
Location: just under 50 kilometres west of the town of Fox Creek
Current activity on the wildfire: we continue to monitor the wildfire, looking for smoldering areas and extinguishing them.

Since April 1, 2015, there have been 45 wildfires which have burned 37.80 hectares.

Provincial Wildfires

In the last 24 hours there have been 47 new wildfires. Alberta currently has 131 wildfires. 52 are out of control, 22 are being held, and 57 are under control. 18 wildfires have been extinguished within the last 24 hours. For more information click here or download the Alberta Wildfire App for android or apple

Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 1,217 wildfires that have burned a total of 209,106.85 hectares.

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As of June 26, 2015 the Whitecourt Wildfire Management A rea is now under a Fire Advisory.

What does this mean?

Safe campfires ARE allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas.
Fire permits are now SUSPENDED and are no longer being issued until conditions change.

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

How Can You Help?

If you are using an Off-highway Vehicle during your day, periodically stop and check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches or debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire. Learn more here.

Never leave your campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again to properly extinguish it.

Visit us on Facebook, Twitter or download our Alberta Wildfire App for android and apple products

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 2nd.

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

Whitecourt Area Update

New Wildfire South of Swan Hills; Fire Advisory in Place

Local Wildfires (information current as of July 1, 7:00pm)

Provincial Wildfires

How Can You Help?

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Access Alberta Wildfire Info