Whitecourt Area Update

Wildfire Hazard

The recent snowfall has helped reduce the wildfire hazard in the Whitecourt Forest Area (WFA), but don't be fooled. When the snow melts, we will return to spring conditions and risk of a wildfire happening increases.Since February 5, there have been two new wildfires in the  Warm temperatures and dry ground are helping the snow pack to disappear quickly; spring-like conditions in February! 

Fire Permits

Dry, spring conditions mean that a wildfire will start easily and spread quickly in dry grasses and small branches that are now exposed on the ground. Be cautious with any burning you are doing and ensure that your fire is out. Fire Season begins March 1, at that time you will require a fire permit for any burning (except a campfire) inside the Forest Protection Area.

Whitecourt Forest Area | February 16 @ 9am

Since April 1, 2015 there have been 96 wildfires that have burned 73.10 hectares in the WFA. For information on wildfires across the province, visit Wildfire.Alberta.ca

 
5 Quick Tips To Successfully Burn This Winter

1. Build your burn pile at least 25 metres from trees and bushes and no more than 6 metres wide.
2. Surround your burn site with a 15 metre wide fireguard; preferably ground that is cleared down to the mineral soil.
3. Before you ignite, call your local Whitecourt Forest Area Office with your winter burn site location: 780-778-7272.
4. If the conditions aren't favorable then don't ignite. We recommend not burning if the wind speed is 15 km/hr or greater; if you don't have the right number of people or equipment to control the burn, wait until you do.
5. Carefully inspect the site in the days and weeks after your burn is complete to ensure it is completely out. Dig deep in the ashes, search for heat. Stir the debris and soak the ashes with water until it is cold to the touch. 

Image: Always burn within your control, if the 
conditions aren't right, don't ignite.

You can help our firefighters this winter by contacting us if you have any concerns about a winter burn you are completing or to report a winter burn location. Call the Whitecourt Forest Area Office at: 780-778-7272.  

Anytime of the year, call 310-FIRE (3743) to report a wildfire.

Visit us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 
Download the App for android or apple products.