Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 2, 2017

Posted on Tue, May 02, 2017

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WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE

Dry, windy conditions have created a MODERATE wildfire hazard in the Whitecourt Forest Area. This weather pattern is expected to continue until Friday.    

If you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473)

 

WILDFIRE UPDATE

There no active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

Since the start of the 2017 wildfire season, there has been one wildfire that has burned 0.01 hectares in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

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

 

FIREFIGHTERS BURNING

The right conditions for firefighters to start hazard reduction burning in and around communities within the Whitecourt Forest Area have arrived. Planned burns are used to remove hazardous areas of dead, dry grass that is prominent around many communities in the spring. Removing hazardous grass reduces the risk of fast moving spring wildfires. 

2017 Fox Creek Hazard Reduction Burn  is scheduled to begin Wednesday, May 3. Depending on conditions, this project may take several days to complete, read more here.

This is a joint effort between highly trained firefighters from the Town of Fox Creek Fire Department and Alberta Wildfire wildland firefighters. Firefighters will constantly monitor the weather conditions to reduce the possibility of smoke drifting into the community. 

 

CROP BURNING

Crop burning should be used as a final management option for unharvested crops. Consider bailing, removing the crops from field and later burning them away from the field. 

Research has shown that burning crop residues has many negative effects. Burning reduces soil organic matter, carbon and nitrogen and can have negative effects on soil erosion, permeability and air quality. Burning disrupts the balance of microorganisms in the soil reducing the biological activity and overall soil health. Read more at agric.gov.ab.ca

If crop burning is necessary and you live in the Whitecourt Forest Area, by law you require a fire permit that will ensure safe burning practices are followed. Get your free fire permit by calling:

  • Whitecourt patrolman at 780-778-1590 or
  • Whitecourt Fire Centre at 780-778-7272. 

 

FIRE PERMITS

As of March 1, a free permit is required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. New penalties now exist for failure to produce a fire permit when requested by a forest officer, read more here.

Fire permits allow our wildfire managers to know where planned burns are taking place so firefighters are free to fight new wildfires.

How to get started:

  • To save time, start by preparing your burn site so that it will meet the fire permit requirements.
  • Call our office at least one week before the intended burn date.  
  • For a fire permit call the Whitecourt patrolman at 780-778-1590 or the Whitecourt Fire Centre at 780-778-7272.

Learn more about fire permits.

 

 

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 NEW WILDFIRE PROTECTION REGULATIONS IN EFFECT MARCH 31, 2017

 Enhancements to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act (FPPA) regulations include:

  • New penalties for infractions such as leaving a campfire unattended or burning without a permit
  • Restrictions on the use of fireworks or exploding targets in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta without written permission from a forest officer
  • Improvements to flammable debris disposal and other industry-based requirements
  • Activities that interfere with the fighting of a wildfire, such as the unauthorized use of drones near a wildfire, will result in an automatic court appearance

Individuals who knowingly contravene the Forest and Prairie Protection Act by starting a wildfire can be fined up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years. Read more here.

Industrial users who knowingly contravene the Act and start a wildfire can be fined up to $1 million; learn more here.

See the full announcement or learn more here.

 

WILDFIRE PREVENTION MEETING FOR OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY MEMBERS 

There is the opportunity to have wildfire prevention staff come to your work site and deliver the presentation or set up an online meeting. Contact mike.milner@gov.ab.ca

 

 

Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be on May 5, 2017.

Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
Mobile: 780-706-5336
Email: shannon.stambaugh@gov.ab.ca

Stay current on Alberta's wildfire situation, download the Alberta Wildfire mobile app for Android or Apple products. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
 
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 wildfire.alberta.ca