Whitecourt Forest Area Widfire Hazard Update

WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE

keepsA significant amount of rain on the ground keeps the wildfire hazard moderate in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Warm temperatures are expected for the rest of the week; as the temperature climbs, so will the wildfire hazard.

If you see smoke in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).

WILDFIRE UPDATE 10:00 a.m., July 5, 2017

Currently, no wildfire activity to report in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since the start of the 2017 wildfire season, there have been 18 wildfires that have burned 10.10 hectares in the Forest Area.

There are ten wildfires in the Province of Alberta. five wildfires are classified as under control and five have been turned over to the responsible party.

Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 663 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2,800.07 hectares. For information visit the provincial wildfire status map.

HANDY TIPS WHEN HAVING A CAMPFIRE

Before you leave to go camping, check albertafirebans.ca for information about fire restirctions or bans. Once you find out that you can have a campfire, here are some tips to make it a safe experience:

Select your site - use a designated stove, ring or fire pit if possible. Use sites clear of dry grass, bushes, leave branches and other flammable vegetation.
Prepare your campfire - have the right tools including a shovel, axe and enough water to fully extinguish your campfire.
Extinguish your campfire - soak it, stir it, soak it again. Using your bare hand, feel for heat coming from the ashes, it should be cool to the touch.

Leaving a campfire unattended will result in a fine of $287 under the Forest Prairie and Protection Act. If an individual does not properly extinguish a fire and it starts a wildfire they can be charged up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years. Read more here.

Learn more about the changes made to the Forest Prairie and Protection Act by visiting fppa.alberta.ca.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR USING AN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE

Remove debris - keep your machine debris free by checking it before, during and after a ride.
Strategic parking - park your OHV on bare mineral soil if possible, do not park it in areas of dead, dry grass.
Exit and check - when possible, drive out on the path you drove in on. This will help you check for fires that may have started.