Whitecourt Area Update

Rain Helps Reduce Wildfire Hazard - June 2

Posted on Mon, Jun 01, 2015

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Cooler temperatures and rain has reduced the wildfire hazard in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA) to LOW.
Much of northern Alberta continues to experience warm, dry conditions and new wildfires continue to ignite. This means that the need to reduce prevent human caused wildfires in our province remains. Our fire managers are continually assessing the situation but for now, the FIRE BAN remains in effect.

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The FIRE BAN remains in place for the Whitecourt WMA and most of northern Alberta; north of the Brazeau River area. Other jurisdictions outside the Forest Protection Area (FPA), including municipalities and provincial parks, may issue their own fire restrictions or bans. Please check albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information about restrictions and locations.

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Can I have a campfire?

No. All open fires are banned, including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry, random camping areas and shelters with wood-burning stoves. This includes charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.

Are fire permits allowed?
No. All fire permits are suspended or canceled in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area and no new fire permits will be issued.

What does this mean for industry members? 
A fire ban means no industrial burning (brush piles, windrows, slash piles). Continue to abide by your Industrial Wildfire Control Plan. Suspend all non-essential flaring.

Local Wildfires June 2 (1000hrs)

There are no wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA. Since April 1, 2015, there have been 30 wildfires in the WWMA which have burned 26.39 hectares.

Provincial Wildfires

Currently, there are has 35 wildfires. Five are out of control, five are being held, 24 are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party. 

Provincial wildfires of note:

o   Buffalo Head Hills Complex Fires; a group of four fires that started on May 25 due to lighting (HWF-127 Out of Control (OC) @ 4,300 ha, HWF-130 OC @ 196.4 ha, HWF-131 Being Held @ 25.1 ha HWF-132 OC @ 905.9 ha). Area update

o   LWF-122 also known as the Burnt Lake Fire is considered out of control and is located approximately 40 km north of Cold Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 310 firefighters and 16 helicopters fighting this 31,334 hectare wildfireArea update

o   LWF-126 also known as the Pony Creek Fire is considered out of control and is located approximately 18 km north of Conklin. There are 73 firefighters and 12 helicopters fighting this 2,980 hectare wildfire. 

Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 764 wildfires that have burned a total of 50,369.84 hectares. 

 

What can you do to help?

If you are using an 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.
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Any questions? Please contact me. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update June 5th.

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Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer

Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273
mobile: 780.706.5336