Extreme Wildfire Danger - Whitecourt Forest Area

FIRE ADVISORY

A fire advisory issued on May 14, 2018, continues to be in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. The advisory is due to persistent dry weather, and the dry grass wildfire hazard; dry grass provides fuel for fast moving wildfires.

Today, the continuous dry weather is mixing with winds NE 25 km/h. These combined factors push the wildfire danger to extreme in the Whitecourt Forest Area, meaning a wildfire can start easily and spread extremely fast, making it very difficult to bring under control.

Not permitted

Any burning (except campfires) within the Whitecourt Forest Area.
All 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 or the new Alberta Fire Bans app for Android or Apple devices.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 16, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

In the last 24 hours, there have been zero wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

Since March 1, 2018, there have been 10 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 6.39 hectares.

Province of Alberta

There are 22 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 wildfires are being held, 9 are under control, and 1 has been turned over to the responsible party. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 290 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, with a total area burnt of 1,261.42 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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Whitecourt Area Update