Whitecourt Area Update

Rain Welcomed; But Not Enough - May 28

Posted on Thu, May 28, 2015

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We are expecting temperatures to continue to drop over the weekend, with the chance for rain showers in the next few days. Today you can expect temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius with wind gusts up to 35km/hr.
We have rain, why is there a HIGH wildfire hazard and Fire Ban still in place? Conditions across our wildfire management area are vaired but overall, our forested areas are very dry and it will take a lot of rain, lasting for a number of days to reverse the dry trend we are in. If tree roots and downed trees catch fire, they will smolder or burn deep in the soil. These wildfires are hard to find because they are underground or smoldering with no open flame. Under strong winds, these fires get more oxygen, allowing them to grow and spread quickly into a wildfire.

Use caution when working or recreating in forested areas.

Here's a look from the past few days of the preparation, monitoring and wildfires our firefighters have been fighting.

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FBS_Ban_1034x1024_v4The FIRE BAN remains in place for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WMA) and most of northern Alberta. No outdoor fires are permitted at this time. 

The Fire Bans is in place for your protection, it will help decrease the number of human-caused wildfires in the WWMA and across the province. This will allow firefighters to focus on existing or new wildfire. 

 

Where is the fire ban?

The fire ban applies to Alberta’s forests as set by the Forest Protection Area regulation. Other jurisdictions outside of Alberta’s forested areas, including counties and municipalities, may issue their own fire restriction or fire bans.

What's prohibited?
All open fires are banned, including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry, random camping areas and cooking shelters with wood-burning stoves. This includes charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.

What is allowed?
Portable propane fire pits and gas or propane stoves and barbeques (not charcoal briquettes) designed for cooking or heating, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters.

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.

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Wildfire Update May 28

Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA. Since April 1, 2015, there have been 29 wildfires in the WWMA which have burned 26.38 hectares.

There are 42 wildfires burning in Alberta: 10 are out of control, nine are being held, 23 are under control. 

Provincial wildfires of note 

 

o   LWF-122 is considered out of control and is located approximately 40 km north of Cold Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 253 firefighters, 16 helicopters and two airtankers fighting this 20,000 hectare wildfire. Area update

 

o   LWF-126 is considered out of control and is located approximately 22 km north of Conklin. There are 62 firefighters and four helicopters fighting this 3,300 hectare area.

 

o   HWF-111 is considered out of control and is located approximately 44 km north west of Hay-Zama Lakes Wildland Provincial Park. There is one helicopter fighting this 4,000 hectare wildfire. Area Update

o   EWF-039 is still considered out of control but hasn't grown, remaining at 678 hectares. It is located approximately 44 km north west of Edson. A fireguard around the perimeter was expected to be completed yesterday. Area Update

Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 740 wildfires that have burned a total of 33,311.02 hectares. 

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Image: Burnt Lake Wildfire (LWF-122) May 27; Mialn Skrecek

Fire Bans or Restrictions in the Area

If you live, work or recreate within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) you are effected by either a FIRE BAN or FIRE RESTRICTION. Learn more at Albertafirebans.ca.
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What can you do to help?

We can not control the weather but we can control the start of a fire. Please do not do any burning at this time. We truly appreciate your cooperation. Abiding by the fire ban helps keep our firefighters free to fight new wildfire starts.For information on the fire ban visit www.albertafirebans.ca or call 1-866-FYI-FIRE.
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.

Questions? contact me. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update May 29th.

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Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer

Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273
mobile: 780.706.5336