Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is moderate for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Dry grass will ignite easily and spread aggressively, even under light winds, creating a fast moving wildfire.

Today, the wind is W-NW 15-20 km/h, gusting up to 40 km/h. According to the conditions of a fire permit, burning is not allowed when the wind speed exceeds 15 km/h.

Please consider postponing the use of off-highway vehicles in snow-free areas, until grasses and leaves turn green.

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES CAN START WILDFIRES

Grasses, branches, and mud can build-up on any vehicle designed for off road use. The debris can ignite from the heat of the machine, fall off and start a wildfire.

Clean your machine, before, during, and after your ride.

Quick wildfire prevention tips:

Be prepared to take action. Carry a small shovel, collapsible pail, source of water or fire extinguisher with you on every ride.
Clean the machine before, during and after a ride. Keeping your machine debris free will prevent the exhaust system from causing a wildfire.
Strategically park the vehicle on bare mineral soil if possible, do not park in areas of dead, dry grass.
Exit and check. When possible, drive out on the path you drove in on, allowing you to check for fires that may have started.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | April May 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

Currently there are zero wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

Since March 1, 2018, there has been 1 wildfire; with a total area burnt of 0.05 hectares.

Province of Alberta

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

FIRE PERMITS ARE NOW REQUIRED

Free fire permits are required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. If you need a fire permit in the Whitecourt Forest Area, call:

780-778-7272

Please call at least one week before you need a fire permit. Have ready the legal land location, planned start date, and a daytime phone number.

If you burn without a fire permit, or outside of the fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. Learn about violation tickets for burning without a permit.

REDUCING WILDFIRE HAZARD

Today, Alberta Wildfire will be conducting a hazard reduction burn, in association with the Fox Creek Fire Department. The burn will occur 500 m south of the town of Fox Creek, across Highway 43.

Highly trained firefighters will conduct the burn; they will only be burning when conditions are conducive for a safe, controlled burn. The main goal of the project is to remove the dangerous build-up of grass in the area, helping to prevent the occurrence of a wildfire. Learn more here.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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On the Web, get wildfire information for anywhere in Alberta by visiting: wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
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Whitecourt Area Update