The northeast portion of the Whitecourt Forest Area is under a fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction. May 31, 2018.

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger remains high for the Whitecourt Forest Area leaving the Fire Ban and an Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction in effect for the northeastern portion of the Whitecourt Forest Area. The fire ban came into effect on May 25 at noon due to dryer conditions in this area. A fire ban helps us reduce the number of human-caused wildfires. The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

As of May 25, 2018 at 12:00, a Fire Ban and off-highway vehicle restriction are in effect for the northeast portion of Whitecourt Forest Area, see the MAP. The restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Under the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction:

Prohibited

All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits
Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
Fireworks and exploding targets
The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands

Allowed

Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating
Catalytic or infrared style heaters

Please note: the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle 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.

Outside of the fire ban zone, the wildfire danger is moderate.

If you want to do any burning outside campfires, within the Forest Protection Area (FPA); you need a fire permit:

Fire permits are free. To get the process started call 780-778-7272.
Please call a week in advance of when you would like to burn in order to give our staff time to make arrangements to come out to your site and issue your permit.
Fore efficiency, please have your site ready according to the burning site guidelines. before staff arrive. For your safety, a site visit is required in most cases.
All permits must be completely extinguished before they expire, if you need more information make sure to ask.

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

Whitecourt Forest Area

There are zero wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Since March 1, 2018, there have been 29 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 11.14 hectares.

Province of Alberta

There are 27 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 5 wildfires are out of control, 6 are being held, 11 are under control, and 5 have been turned over to the responsible party. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.
Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 547 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area; with a total area burnt of 30,261.57 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