- New penalties for infractions such as leaving a campfire unattended or burning without a permit
- Restrictions on the use of fireworks or exploding targets in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta without written permission from a forest officer
- Improvements to flammable debris disposal and other industry-based requirements
- Activities that interfere with the fighting of a wildfire, such as the unauthorized use of drones near a wildfire, are considered more severe offences and will result in an automatic court appearance.
Individuals who knowingly contravene the Forest and Prairie Protection Act by starting a wildfire can be fined up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years.
Industrial users who knowingly contravene the Act and start a wildfire can be fined up to $1 million.
"Last fall, we passed important legislation to help deter unsafe behaviour
and give our wildland firefighters more tools to keep Albertans and their
communities safe. These strengthened regulations send a clear message that
we all share a responsibility to help prevent wildfires.”
See the full announcement or learn more here.
WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
The the wildfire hazard is low in the Whitecourt Forest Area but recent rain showers have accelerted snow melt. As grasses and small branches in the forest dry, the spring wildfire hazard will increase. Areas of high-hazard are snow-free ditches and fields that allow for wildfires to catch easily and spread fast.
Consider postponing any non-essential burning in snow-free areas until after grasses and leaves turn green.
Right now, off-highway vehicles operating in grassy areas like snow-free ditches have a higher risk of staring a wildfire. Take the time to clean debris from your vehicle, before, after and during your ride. Learn more here.
AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Currently, there are no active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. To report smoke in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION MEETING FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
Presentation: Industry Best Practices For Wildfire Prevention.
Date: Tuesday April 11, 2017
Time: 1330hrs-1430hrs
Location: Whitecourt Training Centre
4012-43 Ave
Whitecourt, Alberta
T7S 1M8
Please RSVP with number of people attending by April 10, 2017 to mike.milner@gov.ab.ca
FIRE PERMITS
As of March 1, a free permit is required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. New penalties now exist for failure to produce a fire permit when requested by a forest officer, read more here.
Fire permits allow our wildfire managers to know where planned burns are taking place so firefighters are free to fight new wildfires.
How to get started:
- To save time, start by preparing your burn site so that it will meet the fire permit requirements.
- Call our office at least one week before the intended burn date.
- For a fire permit call the Whitecourt patrolman at 780-778-1590 or the Whitecourt Fire Centre at 780-778-7272.
Learn more about fire permits.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be on April 6, 2017.
Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
Mobile: 780.706.5336
Email: Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
