WILDFIRE SEASON STARTS MARCH 1
WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
Currently, winter conditions keep the wildfire hazard at LOW for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Although snow helps reduce the risk of fire spreading, it can burn silently underground during the winter causing a hold-over wildfire to occur. Read below on how to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
LOCAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since the end of the Wildfire Season (October 31), firefighters have responded to two new wildfires that have burned just under 0.5 hectares in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL WINTER BURNING
Currently, fire permits are not required for burning within the Forest Protection Area. Reporting a winter burn site location helps firefighters respond to actual wildfires - not a winter burn site. Read tips on successful winter burning here.
To report your winter burn site, call the Whitecourt Forest Area Office: 780-778-7272.
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.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be on February 27, 2017.
Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
mobile: 780.706.5336
email: Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
