Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is variable in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Areas east of Highway 33 did not receive rain in the last 24 hours, keeping the wildfire danger high. Areas west of the highway received light amounts of rain, reducing the wildfire danger to moderate.

The forecast for the weekend is for warm and dry conditions, with the standing, dry grass still creating a wildfire hazard across the forest area, the wildfire danger is expected to rise.

Please take the time to prevent wildfires, specifically when around roadways and open grassy areas.

Tips on having a safe campfire:

Use the designated stoves, rings or fire pits. In the backcountry, or where designated receptacles are not available, use sites that are clear of dry grass, bushes, leaves, over hanging branches, tree trunks, and peat moss. Build the campfire on level ground where it will be sheltered from the wind, and you are near a source of water.
Never leave a campfire unattended. A campfire can escape and start a wildfire if no one is watching it. Watch for sparks and escaped embers and quickly extinguish them.
Soak it, stir it, soak it again. When you are finished with your campfire, spread the embers within the pit, then add water or loose dirt. Stir it around to expose any material that is still burning and then add more water or dirt. Don’t bury your fire because it can smolder underground and reignite into a wildfire. You’ll know your fire is out, when you don’t feel any heat coming from the ashes.

A fire permit is not required for a cooking or warming fire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, but leaving a campfire unattended can result in a fine of $287 under the Forest Prairie and Protection Act.

If an individual does not properly extinguish a fire and it starts a wildfire they can be charged up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years. Read more here.

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES CAN START WILDFIRES

Grasses, branches, and mud can build-up on any vehicle designed for off road use. The debris can ignite from the heat of the machine, fall off, and start a wildfire. Remove debris before, during, and after your ride.

Quick wildfire prevention tips:

Be prepared to take action. Carry a small shovel, collapsible pail, source of water or fire extinguisher with you on every ride.
Clean the machine before, during and after a ride. Keeping your machine debris free will prevent the exhaust system from causing a wildfire.
Strategically park the vehicle on bare mineral soil if possible, do not park in areas of dead, dry grass.
Exit and check. When possible, drive out on the path you drove in on, allowing you to check for fires that may have started.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 11, 2018, at 3:00 p.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

There is 1 wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

WWF-007 was discovered May 9, 2018, it is currently under control at 0.3 hectares in size. The wildfire is approximately 45 km southeast of the Town of Fox Creek. No communities or structures are at risk. Firefighters will continue to monitor the site, looking for hotspots to extinguish

Since March 1, 2018, there have been 9 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 5.37 hectares

Whitecourt Forest Area Assistance

The Whitecourt Forest Area is assisting with 1 wildfire outside of the Forest Protection Area.

WIR-001 was discovered May 9, 2018, Alberta Wildfire is currently assisting Paul Band First Nation with 36 firefighters, and various pieces of heavy equipment.

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

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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Whitecourt Area Update