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.

Standing, dry grass is still creating a wildfire hazard across the forest area. The weather forecast for the weekend is for warm, dry conditions, these factors combined, will cause the wildfire danger to rise.

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.

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 17, 2018, at 10:00 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 25 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 3 wildfires are being held, 10 are under control, and 12 have been turned over to the responsible party. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.
Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 301 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area; with a total area burnt of 1,277.40 hectares.

For information on the current wildfire situation in 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

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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