Two New Wildfires in Last 24 Hours Impacting Communities

Wildfire Update

Whitecourt Forest Area | April 27 @ 10:00 a.m.

Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area but firefighters are assisting other municipalities with five wildfires:

Whitecourt Area Wildfire (WTO-001) is located within the boundaries of the Town of Whitecourt. Assistance was requested by the Town of Whitecourt at 4:30 p.m today, April 26. Currently, 10 and one piece of heavy equipment assisting with this wildfire. For more information on this wildfire, watch the Town's FaceBook Page and listen to local media for updates.
Mayerthorpe Area Wildfire (WCU-004) is located approximately 2 kilometres south west of the town of Mayerthorpe. Assistance was requested by Lac Ste. Anne County at approximately 3:00p.m. April 26. Currently, firefighters are helping to monitor the situation and will continue until assistance is no longer required.
Duffield Area Wildfires (WCU-001/WIR-001) these two wildfires are located in the area of Duffield, Alberta. Assistance was requested by both Parkland County and Wabamun Indian Reserve No. 133A on April 17. Currently, 68 firefighters assisting with these wildfires.
Onoway Area Wildfire (WCU-002) is located approximately 24 kilometres north west of St. Albert, Alberta. Assistance was requested at 10:00 pm on April 18 by Lac Ste. Anne County. There are nine firefighters assisting with this wildfire.

Image: Photos of the wildfire witnin the Town of Whitecourt (WTO-001), April 26. The Town classified the wildfire as Under Control as of 6:30 p.m., April 26.

To date, there have been 13 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area which have burned 7.25 hectares. At this time last year, there had been 6 wildfires and no requests for assistance from near-by municipalities. Please do your part and help prevent wildfires. Learn more about off-highway vehicles and campfires.

For information on wildfires across the province, visit Wildfire.Alberta.ca To learn about Fire Advisories, Restrictions or Bans across the province, visit AlbertaFirebans.ca.

Wildfire Hazard

Cooler temperatures over the past two days have reduced the wildfire hazard to MODERATE for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Today, temperatures will remain around 17 degrees Celsius, wind will be east at 20 kilometres per hour this afternoon. Rain is forecast for Saturday. Until there is a significant amount of rain on the ground the forest remains dry.

Areas of dry grass and branches pose the most significant risk of wildfire. Wildfire in these areas will start easily and spread quickly.

Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke in the forest.

Fire Permits

Help firefighters by getting a fire permit. Avoid a false alarm and make sure firefighters are where they are needed, not in your backyard.

A fire permit is required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. If you are in the Whitecourt Forest Area, and you want to do some burning call: 780-778-7272.