WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
Warm, dry, windy conditions keep the wildfire hazard at very high for the Whitecourt Forest Area. The wind is forecast to be southeast in direction at 25 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 40 kilometers per hour.
Burning is not recommended when the wind speed exceeds 15 kilometers per hour. Take the necessary steps to prevent a wildfire while out enjoying or working in the forest.
To report a wildfire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, call 310-FIRE (3473).
WILDFIRE SITUATION - AUGUST 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
Whitecourt Forest Area
There are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area; the last wildfire happened on August 18, 2017.
Since the start of the 2017 wildfire season, there have been 26 wildfires that have burned 11.41 hectares in the Forest Area.
Province of Alberta
There are currently 13 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- 5 wildfires are classified as being held,
- 6 are under control and
- 2 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 1,086 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 20,789.10 hectares. For information visit the provincial wildfire status map.
FIRE PERMITS
Until October 31, 2017 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.
TIPS TO PREVENT A WILDFIRE WHILE 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.
Read more here.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be at 11:00 a.m. on August 31, 2017.
Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
Phone: 780.706.5336
Email: shannon.stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
