Whitecourt Area Update

Warm, Dry and Windy for Whitecourt and Area - May 19

Posted on Tue, May 19, 2015

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WILDFIRE HAZARD

Dry and warm conditions today for the  Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA) and the wildfire hazard is now VERY HIGHWinds will be gusting to 40km/hr again today with temperatures just above 20 degrees Celsius. There is no significant rain in the forecast and if the current weather trend continues we can expect extreme wildfire hazard conditions by Thursday. 

What does VERY HIGH mean? Under these conditions, control of a wildfire is extremely difficult and directly attacking a wildfire is rarely possible. That is why it is very important to prevent a wildfire from starting. We continue to encourage everyone to be careful while working, recreating and using Off-Highway Vehicles in forested areas.

If you are planning to go camping remember: may_long_camping

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FIRE ADVISORY

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area.

This means that all fire permits are suspended with the exception of burn barrels. No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve. Burn barrel permit holders must follow the conditions of their permit. Winds will be gusting up to 40km/hr today which exceeds the wind limit on your permit.

Safe campfires are currently allowed, but may be restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. For more information click here.

Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date advisories, restrictions and bans in surrounding areas.

WILDFIRE SUMMARY (1200hrs, May 19, 2015)

Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
Currently, there is one wildfire in the Whitecourt WMA. Here are the details:

WWF-017
Status: under control.
Location: just over 47 km southeast of the town of Swan Hills.
Size: 12.73 hectares in size.
Current activity on the fire: 8 firefighters and one helicopter working to identify hotspots and put them out, working to extinguish the fire.

Since April 1, 2015, there have been 24 wildfires in the area which have burned 25.38 hectares.

Provincial Wildfires

There are 16 wildfires burning in Alberta. 12 are under control and four have been turned over to the responsible party.

Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 543 new wildfires that have burned a total of 1,9137.62 hectares.

How can you help? If you are using an off-highway vehicle during your day, periodically check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches and other debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire.

Never leave a fire unattended and make sure to properly extinguish the fire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again. Learn more here.

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If you have any questions, please contact me. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update May 20th.

 

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Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer

Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273
mobile: 780-706-5336
Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca