WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
Warm, dry, windy conditions keep the wildfire hazard at very high for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Under these conditions, a wildfire will start easily and spread quickly. Please take the necessary steps to prevent a wildfire while out enjoying or working in the forest.
SMOKE IN THE AIR
Smoke continues to drift into the area from wildfires burning in British Columbia and the United States. To see the latest smoke forecast, go to www.firesmoke.ca
If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of smoke from a wildfire, visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for 24-hour health advice.
WILDFIRE SITUATION - AUGUST 30, 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 14 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- 5 wildfires are classified as being held,
- 7 are under control and
- 2 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 1,095 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 20,789.82 hectares. For information visit the provincial wildfire status map.
FIRE PERMITS
During the Wildfire Season (March 1- October 31) 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 will be issued for the 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.
To report a wildfire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, call 310-FIRE (3473).
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