Whitecourt Area Update

Help Firefighters by Getting a Fire Permit | Whitecourt Forest Area

Posted on Tue, Apr 05, 2016

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Wildfire Hazard 

Snow continues to melt, exposing dry grasses and branches on the ground. This small, fine material can catch fire quickly - easily growing into a fast-moving wildfire. Right now, the snow pack has melted in the southeast portion of the Whitecourt Forest Area, increasing the wildfire hazard for that area.

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Photo: Dry grass increases the risk of a wildfire.

If you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE.


Wildfire Update

Whitecourt Forest Area | April 5 @ 11am

Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since April 1, 2016 there have been 2 human-caused wildfires that have burned just under one hectare. These wildfires were 100 percent preventable. 

Provincial Update | April 5 @ 11am

  • In the last 24 hours there have been five new wildfires. One is being held, two are under control, one has been turned over to the responsible party and one has been extinguished.
  • Alberta currently has 10 wildfires. One is being held, five are under control, and four have been turned over to the responsible party.
  • Since April 1, 2016, Alberta has recorded 21 wildfires that have burned a total of 73.76 hectares.

Note:  The statistics for the 2016-2017 wildfire season started at zero as of April 1, 2016.

For information on wildfires across the province, visit Wildfire.Alberta.ca


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, get started today by calling: 780-778-7272.

 

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Photo: Fire permit being issued by Agriculture and Forestry staff.

 

We Want to Hear From You! 

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Wildfire Management Branch is seeking input on proposed amendments to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and associated regulations. You do not need to be familiar with the legislation and regulations to complete the survey; closing date is Friday, April 15, 2016.

Survey:  https://extranet.gov.ab.ca/opinio6//s?s=27402

 

Learn more about wildfire prevention here: 

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Unless conditions change, you can expect your next update on April 15, 2016.
 
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
email: Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
office: 780.778.7273 | mobile: 780.706.5336
 
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