High Wildfire Danger - Whitecourt Forest Area, May 12, 2018

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is high in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Today, the temperature will be 21 C. The southern portion of the forest area will see wind speeds around 20 km/h, and the northern parts of the forest area will see winds northwest at 30 km/h, gusting to 50 km/h; rain is not in the forecast. Standing, dry grass continues to create a wildfire hazard across the forest area, providing fuel for fast moving wildfires.

Please take the time to prevent wildfires, especially 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.
Always watch your campfire. A campfire can escape and start a wildfire through sparks and embers, watch for them and extinguish immediately
Soak it, stir it, and soak it again. When you are finished with your campfire, spread the embers within the pit, and then add water or loose dirt. Stir it around to expose any burning material, and then add more water or dirt. Do not bury your fire because it can smolder underground and reignite into a wildfire. You will know your fire is out, when you do not 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.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 12, 2018, at 10:30 a.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 39 firefighters, working to help extinguish the wildfire.

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

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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Get wildfire information for the province of Alberta by visiting: wildfirestatus.alberta.ca. Or download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices.
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Whitecourt Area Update