Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 17, 2021

Posted on Thu, Jun 17, 2021

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is LOW. 


Whitecourt Forest Area Update 

If you see any smoke or fire in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

Please fully extinguish your campfires by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again. The coals should be cool to the touch.  

*Winds gusting to 60km/h at times*

WWF045 was detected June 14th, 2021 and is approximately 29 kilometers north of Whitecourt. The fire is currently under control burning approximately 0.58 hectares. The fire is being actioned by two wildfire crews and one helicopter. 

WWF048 was detected June 14th, 2021 and is approximately 4.2 kilometers east of Whitecourt. The fire is under control burning approximately 0.01 hectare in size. There is one wildfire crew allocated to the fire. 

*Keep in mind there may be smoke and aircraft activity in the area. There is no threat to any communities at this time.*


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 Whitecourt's Unit Crew working though rough terrain to assist in extinguishing wildfires in Ontario

EXPORTED RESOURCES

One Whitecourt wildfire crew has been sent on export to assist Ontario with Wildfire Operations. Alberta Wildfire assists other agencies when we are able to and the same is done for us in times of need. These arrangements are made through an organization called the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and they coordinate resource sharing between agencies. We wish the crew safe travels and good luck during their stay. 


Campfire

SAFE CAMPFIRES

Enjoying a campfire this summer? Here are some tips on how to have a safe campfire:

  • Before heading out this summer check out https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ for the latest updates in your area
  • Make a safe ring of rocks to contain the campfire if you're in the backcountry or use a designated fire pit when visiting a campground
  • Never leave a campfire unattended 
  • When you're finished with your campfire soak it, stir it, and soak it again 
  • We ask that you stir and soak your campfire again as the campfire can burn into the ground and may re-ignite later causing a wildfire 
  • Always make sure the coals from the campfire are cool to the touch before leaving the area 

WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 49 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 24.18 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. Two wildfires are under control and 50 have been extinguished.    

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 556 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,379 hectares. 

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca


Welding

OPERATING EQUIPMENT 

When you're working outside in hot and dry conditions be sure that you keep in mind of these procedures:

  • Watch for sparks when operating equipment 
  • Have your firefighting equipment and water ready at all times 
  • Clear debris from hotspots for OHV's and vehicles 
  • Be mindful of your surroundings
  • Avoid operating equipment or grinding over tall, dry grass 

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DOWNLOAD THE NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP

Download the NEW Alberta Wildfire App to access provincial wildfire status maps and updates on your mobile device.

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RELATED INFORMATION
 
Fire Permits

780-778-7166

Reporting a Wildfire

310-FIRE (3473)

General Information Related to Alberta Wildfire or Fire Bans, Restrictions, or Advisories

1-866-FYI-FIRE

General/Other Forestry Related Questions

780-778-7153

For more information, please contact:
 
Colby Lachance 
Wildfire Information Officer 
Phone: (780) 778-7263
colby.lachance@gov.ab.ca 

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