WILDFIRE HAZARD
We are getting rain in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA) and in some cases snow... May in Alberta! This moisture is providing temporary relief for our area and the wildfire hazard is now MODERATE.
We are expecting the rain-snow mix to end today and warm, dry conditions will return; becuase of this the wildfire hazard will increase again by Monday. We continue to encourage everyone to be extra careful while working, recreating and using Off-Highway Vehicles in forested areas.
FIRE ADVISORY
A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area.
This means that all fire permits are suspended with the exception of burn barrels. No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve. Burn barrel permit holders must follow the conditions of their permit. Winds will be gusting up to 40km/hr today which exceeds the wind limit on your permit.
Safe campfires are currently allowed, but may be restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. For more information click here.
Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date advisories, restrictions and bans in surrounding areas.
WILDFIRE SUMMARY (1100hrs, May 16, 2015)
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
Currently, there are three wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA. Here are the details:
WWF-017
Status: under control.
Location: just over 47 km southeast of the town of Swan Hills.
Size: 12.73 hectares in size.
Current activity on the fire: 27 firefighters, two helicopters and three pieces of heavy equipment are working to extinguish the fire.
WWF-018
Status:turned over to the responsible party.
WWF-019
Status:under control.
Location: just over 16 km southeast of the town of Fox Creek.
Size: 0.01 hectares in size.
Current activity on the fire: 7 firefighters and one helicopter are working on extinguishing hot spots and will continue until the fire is extinguished.
Since April 1, 2015, there have been 19 wildfires in the area which have just over 25 hectares.
Provincial Wildfires
There are 24 wildfires burning in Alberta. Six are being held, 13 are under control and five have been turned over to the responsible party.
Update on EWF-015: located approximately eight km northwest of Lodgepole is now being held at 753 hectares in size. For more information, please check the Edson Wildfire Management Area wildfire update.
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 412 new wildfires that have burned a total of 1,916.71 hectares.
How can you help? If you are using an off-highway vehicle during your day, periodically check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches and other debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire.
Never leave a fire unattended and make sure to properly extinguish the fire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again. Learn more here.
If you have any questions please contact me. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update May 19th.
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CURRENT WILDFIRES CURRENT FIREBANS WEATHER FOLLOW US
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273
mobile: 780-706-5336
Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca