Fire Advisory in Effect - Whitecourt Forest Area

WILDFIRE DANGER

Today, dry, windy conditions keep the wildfire danger at very high in the Whitecourt Forest Area, meaning wildfires can start easily, and increase rapidly in intensity. A wildfire starting in dry grass, or woody vegetation can develop into a high intensity wildfire.

Dry conditions are forecast to continue, and as the forest dries, the wildfire danger will increase.

Image: Firefighters from the Whitecourt Forest Area Unit Crew looking for hotspots on a local wildfire.

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

FireAdvisory

FIRE ADVISORY - May 14, 2018, at 1:00 p.m.

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. The advisory is in effect due to persistent dry weather, and the dry grass wildfire hazard; dry grass provides fuel for fast moving wildfires.

Not permitted

Any burning (except campfires) within the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Current fire permits (except burn barrels) are now suspended.

Permitted

Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings) or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Permitted burn barrels.

Never leave a campfire unattended and when finished, properly extinguish the campfire: soak it, stir it, and soak it again, repeat until it is cool to the touch, and there is no steam.

The fire advisory will remain in place until conditions improve. For more information visit albertafirebans.ca.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 14, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

In the last 24 hours, there has been one wildfire (WWF010) in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Firefighters quickly brought the wildfire under control at 1.28 hectares in size. No structures or communities are at risk. Today, firefighters will continue to look for hotspots as they work to extinguish the wildfire.

Since March 1, 2018, there have been 10 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 13.97 hectares.

Province of Alberta

There are 27 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 wildfires are being held, 13 are under control, and 11 have been turned over to the responsible party. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 267 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, with a total area burnt of 1,230.21 hectares.

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

Never leave your campfire unattended, and when finished, properly extinguish it. Learn more about safe campfires.

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.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Subscribe to the Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email on new local wildfire information.
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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