Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is VERY HIGH.

Whitecourt Forest Area Update

We urge everyone to use extreme caution when outside in these dry conditions. If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE.

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect.

WW027 was detected May 30th, 2021 and is approximately 19 kilometers from Whitecourt. The fire is currently under control and is approximately 16.03 hectares in size. At this time there is currently one wildfire crew allocated to the wildfire that will monitor the fire behavior and extinguish any hotspots. There is no threat to communities at this time.

Fire Advisory 2

FIRE ADVISORY

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to a lack of significant precipitation.

This advisory is in effect for the Forest Protection Area within the Whitecourt Forest Area and does not include lands within the town boundary of Whitecourt, Fox Creek and Swan Hills.

Under this advisory:

Fire permits are suspended, excluding permits for burn barrels and burning permits deemed essential by a forest officer.
No new permits will be issued until conditions change.

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

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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 your campfire is cool to the touch before leaving the area

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WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 35 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 21.74 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. One wildfire is under control and 37 have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 458 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,040 hectares.

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

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FIRESMART TIPS

While you're getting your yards ready for summer there are some easy FireSmart practices you can do to increase the likelihood of your home surviving a wildfire.