Whitecourt Area Update

FIRE ADVISORY | Issued May 2, 2018

Until conditions improve, a fire advisory remains in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. The advisory is in place due to consistent dry conditions and the standing, dry grass wildfire hazard. Dry grass provides fuel for fast moving wildfire, and with little rain in the forecast today, along with a wind, southeast at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h, the wildfire danger remains at very high.

 

Not permitted

• Any burning (except campfires) within the Whitecourt Forest Area.
• 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.

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WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 9, 2018, at 4:00 p.m.

Whitecourt Forest Area

There are 3 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

WWF-005 was discovered May 5, 2018 and is under control at 3.0 hectares. The wildfire is approximately 21 km southwest of the Town of Whitecourt; no communities or structures are at risk. Firefighters will continue to monitor the site, looking for hotspots to extinguish.

WWF-006 was discovered May 9, 2018, it is currently under control at 0.5 hectares in size. The wildfire is approximately 2 km west of Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park. No communities or structures are at risk. Firefighters will continue to monitor the site, looking for hotspots to extinguish.

WWF-007 was discovered May 9, 2018, it is currently under control at 0.3 hectares in size. The wildfire is approximately  45 km southeast of the Town of Fox Creek. No communities or structures are at risk. 9 firefighters and 2 helicopters are working on the wildfire.

Since March 1, 2018, there have been 7 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 5.33 hectares

Mutual Aid Wildfire Assistance

WIR-001 was discovered May 9, 2018, Alberta Wildfire is currently assisting Paul Band First Nation with 2 airtankers, and 1 firefighter. Learn more at wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.

 

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

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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.

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.

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 ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION