Wildfire Hazard
The wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area remains VERY HIGH. This means a wildfire will start easily and increase quickly in intensity. 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 today is a high of 12 degrees Celsius with cloudy periods and no rain. The wind will be north east in direction at 15 kilometres per hour. The temperature is expected to rise over the weekend, continuing the warm, dry weather trend.
Every precaution is being taken to ensure no new preventable wildfires are started - these will put additional strain on the province's firefighters. Please follow the province-wide Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Restriction.
Smoke in the Air
Smoke has to drifted into the area from the wildfire burning in the Fort McMurray area. The smoke cover was heaviest early this morning - it is expected to dissipate as the day goes on. 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.
Image: Smoke settled over the Whitecourt Forest Area. Looking north from Whitecourt Mountain towards the Swan Hills on May 12 @ 2:00 p.m. The smoke has drifted down from the wildfire burning in the Fort McMurray area.
Wildfire Update
Whitecourt Forest Area Update | May 12 @ 10:00 a.m.
Currently, there is one wildfire burning in the area, it is considered to be under control.
- WWF-023 - started May 8 and is located 2.5 kilometres north of hamlet Goose Lake. No structures or communities are under threat. The wildfire is UNDER CONTROL at 0.42 hectares in size, meaning that no further spread of the wildfire is expected. Firefighters will continue to monitor the site until the wildfire is fully extinguished.
Since April 1, 2016 there have been 24 wildfires that have burned 9.73 hectares.
Provincial Update | May 12 @ 10:00 a.m.
- In the last 24 hours there have been seven new wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- There are currently 17 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One is considered out of control, one is being held, nine are under control and six have been turned over to the responsible party.
- Wildfire update for the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
Since April 1, 2016, Alberta has recorded 414 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 256,344.08 hectares.
For more information about wildfires across the province visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
Our firefighters are strategically positioned within our Forest Area to take action on new wildfires - they are ready! Do your part by learning about the current province-wide Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. From home owners, to industry and government we all have responsibility to lessen the effects of wildfire, learn more at FireSmartCanada.ca.
Image: Whitecourt Forest Area firefighters, airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment are strategically located and are ready for any new wildfire starts.
Fire Ban Remains in Effect
Due to the extreme fire hazard in northern Alberta, a province-wide Fire Ban was deckared on May 5 and continues to be in effect. All existing Fire Permits are canceled and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve. Here is what you need to know in the Whitecourt Forest Area:
Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction Remains in Effect
As of May 6, the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for recreational use on all public lands within the province of Alberta are being restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires.
- 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.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next update on May 13, 2016.