Whitecourt Area Update

Warm, Dry Trend Continues; Fire Advisory Remains

Posted on Sat, Jun 27, 2015

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We are into a warm, dry trend for the next few days; the wildfire hazard remains VERY HIGH for Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA). Today will be a high of 30 degrees Celsius, wind is south west at 15 kilometres per hour. This is lighting season, and lighting starts wildfires. The Whitecourt WMA and northern parts of the province continue to have wildfires started by passing storms and associated lighting.
How can you help? Never leave your campfire unattended. Be prepared to properly put out your campfire, carry a shovel and water carrying device with you (like a bucket).

Local Wildfires (current as of June 27, 10:00am)

Late yesterday afternoon, we had one wildfire start from lighting. WWF-042 was 42 kilometres south west from the town of Swan Hills and only grew to 0.01 hectares in size; thanks to the hard work of our firefighters it was quickly extinguished. Currently, there are no wildfires in the WWMA. Since April 1, 2015, there have been 42 wildfires which have burned 31.99 hectares.

Provincial Wildfires (current as of June 27, 10:00am)

Alberta currently has 128 wildfires. 27 are out of control, 40 are being held, and 61 are under control. 13 wildfires have been extinguished within the last 24 hours. For more information click here or download the Alberta Wildfire App for android or apple
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 1121 wildfires that have burned a total of 97,072.34 hectares.

 

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image: WWF-042 started by lighting and only grew to 0.01 hectares in size.
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As of June 26, 2015, all permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued until conditions change.

Are campfires allowed? Yes, at this time, safe campfires are still allowed in most parts of the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area . Other wildfire management areas within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) and some municipalities (including towns, summer villages, counties or provincial parks) have maintained or issued a new fire advisory, restriction or ban. Please visit www.albertafirebans.ca to ensure that there is not a fire ban or restriction in your area before burning.

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How Can You Help? 

If you are using an Off-highway Vehicle during your day, periodically stop and check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches or debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire. Learn more here.

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Never leave your campfire unattended and soak it, stir it and soak it again to put it out properly.

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Visit us on FacebookTwitter or download our Alberta Wildfire App for android and apple products

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update June 29th.

Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
mobile: 780.706.5336