Fire Advisory in Effect - Whitecourt Forest Area

WILDFIRE DANGER

The wildfire danger is high for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Dry, windy conditions, increase the chance of dry grass catching fire. Grass wildfires move quickly and are hard to control.

Please consider postponing the use of off-highway vehicles in grassy areas, until the grass turns green.

FIRE ADVISORY

As of May 2, 2018, a fire advisory was issued due to persisting dry, windy conditions across the area. The advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Not permitted

Any burning with in the Whitecourt Forest Area (expect campfires).
Current fire permits (except burn barrels) are now suspended and new permits will not be issued until the advisory is lifted.

Permitted

Small, safe, cooking and warming fires are allowed; please take the time to ensure your fire is completely extinguished.
Permitted burn barrels.

For more information visit albertafirebans.ca.

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.

Clean your machine, before, during, and after your ride.

Quick wildfire prevention tips:

Be prepared to take action. Carry a small shovel, collapsible pail, source of water or fire extinguisher with you on every ride.
Clean the machine before, during and after a ride. Keeping your machine debris free will prevent the exhaust system from causing a wildfire.
Strategically park the vehicle on bare mineral soil if possible, do not park in areas of dead, dry grass.
Exit and check. When possible, drive out on the path you drove in on, allowing you to check for fires that may have started.

WILDFIRE SITUATION | April May 5, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

There are zero wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, Since March 1, 2018, there have been 4 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 1.75 hectares.

Province of Alberta

Currently, there are 14 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 5 wildfires are being held, 3 are under control, and 6 have been turned over to the responsible party. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.

Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 140 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, with a total area burnt of 111.61 hectares.

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

HAZARD REDUCTION BURNING

A hazard reduction burn is scheduled for an area southeast of the Town of Swan Hills, the exact date of the burn is dependent on conditions.

Image: Hazard reduction burn, north of the Town of Whitecourt, April 27, 2018.

Every spring, dry grass creates a wildfire hazard in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Alberta Wildfire continuously works with local municipal fire departments to identified areas of wildfire hazard in and around their communities. One way to remove a dry grass hazard is through a hazard reduction burn; a planned, controlled burn, carried out by trained, professional firefighters. Hazard reduction burns help to prevent the occurrence of fast moving wildfires.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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On the Web, get wildfire information for anywhere in Alberta by visiting: wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
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Whitecourt Area Update