WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
The wildfire hazard is LOW for the Whitecourt Forest Area.
SMOKE IN THE AIR
Smoke continues to drift into the area from wildfires burning in British Columbia. To see the latest smoke forecast, go to www.firesmoke.ca
If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
Learn more about Alberta's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
LOCAL WILDFIRE UPDATE 10:00 a.m., August 8, 2017
There are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since the start of the 2017 wildfire season, there have been 24 wildfires that have burned 11.36 hectares in the Forest Area.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE 10:00 a.m., August 8, 2017
There are currently 16 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One is classified as out of control, four are being held, seven are under control and four have been turned over to the responsible party.
Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 915 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 5,223.13 hectares. For information visit the provincial wildfire status map.
To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE (3473).
FIRE PERMITS
A free fire permit is required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. To get started call:
- Whitecourt patrolman at 780-778-1590 or
- Whitecourt Fire Centre at 780-778-7272
A fine of $287 now exists for failure to produce a fire permit when requested by a forest officer, read more here or visit 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.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be on August 11, 2017.
Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
phone: 780.706.5336
email: shannon.stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
