WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
The wildfire hazard remains LOW in the Whitecourt Forest Area. As snow starts to melt, dead, dry grasses and vegetation will be exposed. These conditions allow for wildfires to catch easily and spread quickly in snow-free areas. Consider postponing any non-essential burning in snow-free areas until after grasses and leaves turn green.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE 2017 WILDFIRE SEASON
All winter burning must be completely extinguished before the start of Wildfire Season March 1. Take the time now to re-check your fall or winter burn sites. Here are some helpful tips when checking the burn site:
- Roll debris over, using a metal probe, probe debris and the ground. Look for flames, smouldering debris or steam.
- If you find any hot spots, pour water or dump snow on it. Stir, soak repeat until there is no steam or heating coming from the pile.
- Be thorough and walk around the entire burn site.
Once the wildfire season starts, a free permit is required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Learn more here.
Click here to view the February 15th announcement about the start of Alberta's wildfire season.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL WINTER BURNING
At this time, consider postponing all non-essential burning until leaves and grasses turn green. Now is the time to go re-check winter burn sites.
If burning is considered essential, note that a fire permit will be required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area on March 1. Right now you can help firefighters by reporting a winter burn site location so they respond to actual wildfires and not a winter burn site. Read tips on successful winter burning here.
To report your winter burn site location, call the Whitecourt Forest Area Office: 780-778-7272.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be on March 1, 2017.
Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
mobile: 780.706.5336
email: Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
