Fire Restriction in Effect for Northeast Whitecourt Forest Area

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is very high in the Whitecourt Forest Area, except areas east of Highway 32, where the wildfire danger is extreme. Dry, hot weather continues to dry the forest, causing the wildfire danger to increase.

Lighting season is now here, if you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

As of 12:00 p.m., May 23, 2018, a fire restriction is in effect for the northeast portion of Whitecourt Forest Area, see the MAP. The restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Under the Restriction

All fire permits are suspended and new fire permits will not be issued until conditions improve

Prohibited

Backyard fire pits and random campfires
Charcoal briquettes
Turkey fryers and tiki torches
Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed

Safe wood campfires in designated campgrounds (within fire rings)
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues designed for cooking
Catalytic or infrared style heaters

Please note: the fire restriction does not apply to towns, villages or summer villages embedded in the Forest Protection Area, residents can check Albertafirebans.ca, or the Alberta Fire Bans app for Android or Apple devices for local advisories, restrictions or bans.

The rest of the forest area remains under a Fire Advisory.

A fire advisory issued on May 14, 2018, remains in place for the rest of the Whitecourt Forest Area until conditions improve, see a MAP. The advisory is due to persistent dry weather, and the dry grass wildfire hazard. Dry grass provides fuel for fast moving wildfires.

Under the Advisory

All fire permits are suspended and new fire permits will not be issued until conditions improve

Prohibited

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

Allowed

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.

Please note: the fire advisory does not apply to towns, villages or summer villages embedded in the Forest Protection Area, residents can check Albertafirebans.ca, or the Alberta Fire Bans app for Android or Apple devices for local advisories, restrictions or bans.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 23, 2018, at 4:00 p.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

There is 1 wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area:
Since March 1, 2018, there have been 22 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 10.17 hectares.

Province of Alberta

There are currently 24 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 6 wildfires are out of control, 1 is being held, 13 are under control, and 4 have been turned over to the responsible parties. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.
Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 448 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area; with a total area burnt of 3,748.69 hectares

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

WILDFIRE PREVENTION

Clean your off-highway vehicle before, during and after your ride. Learn more.
Never leave your campfire unattended and when finished, soak it, stir it and soak it again. Learn more.

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