Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WILDFIRE HAZARD

Cool temperatures mixed with rain and/or snow combine to create a LOW wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area.

Although there is snow on the ground, take the time to prevent wildfires when having a campfire or using an OHV in the forest. If you see smoke in the forest, call 310-FIRE (3473).

LOCAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There have been no new wildfires since August 3, 2016 in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since April 1, 2016 there have been 36 wildfires, that have burned just over 671 hectares. Only five of these wildfires were lighting caused, the rest were a mix of industrial activity, residential burning and recreation.

Of the 29 human-caused wildfires in the Area, many were due to fires that were not properly extinguished during the winter. When the conditions became favorable in the spring, they reignited and became wildfires. If you are going to do any burning this fall and/or winter, please take the time to read the preparation tips below.

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

PREPARATION IS KEY FOR A SUCCESSFUL FALL OR WINTER BURN

Here are some quick tips to help make your burn successful:

Prepare the site:

Choose a location that is on high ground and so that pile can be 25 metres or more away from structures and standing trees. Learn more about properly preparing a burn site here.
Surround the pile with a fireguard that is at least 15 metres wide - preferably bare mineral soil.
Ensure the pile is clean of dirt so it can burn cleanly and quickly.

Report your site:

Prior to burning, notify the Whiteocurt Forest Area of your burn site.
Have ready your start and end dates of burn, description of materials to be burnt and the legal land description.
Call: 780-778-7272.

Safe burning practices:

Have someone on site monitoring the burn the entire time - if it escapes, immediately report it to the local Whitecourt Forest Area Office: 780-778-7272.
Have adequate tools, water and equipment on site when burning. If you require advice on this, call the Whitecourt Forest Area Office.
Only burn what you can control with the equipment, people and weather conditions you have available.

After you burn:

Spread out the remaining material within the pile.
Soak the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced by the pile - it should be cool to the touch.
Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

NEWS ON ALBERTA WILDFIRE

Become part of the team. Are you interested in protecting Alberta's communities? Does team work, safety and dedication inspire you? Become a wildland firefighter, work with air tankers or in a warehouse - there are many possibilities and here is your chance!

http://wildfire.alberta.ca/seasonal-employment/default.aspx

Learn more about what its like to be a wildland firefighter in this video. Application deadline is November 30, 2016.

Bill 24, the Forest and Prairie Protection Amendment Act, was tabled in the legislature October 31, 2016. The Bill introduces measures aimed at reducing the number of wildfires caused by humans and enhancing firefighting operations. Read more here.

As of October 31, 2016, wildfire updates will now be published monthly. Your next update will be on November 30, 2016.

wildfire.alberta.ca

Whitecourt Area Update