WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
Moisture in the air and rain on the ground keeps the wildfire hazard at low for the Whitecourt Forest Area. See today's wildfire hazard map here.
DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT WILDFIRES
When having a campfire, never leave it unattended. Make sure it is completely extinguished by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again. It should be cool enough to touch with a bare hand.
If you are riding an Off-Highway Vehicle(OHV), before, after and during your ride, check and clear hotspots of built-up mud, grass and branches.
ARE YOU HUNTING THIS FALL?
New regulations have strengthened wildfire protection. Take the time to understand these amendments before having a campfire this hunting season.
Quick tips:
- Never leave a fire unattended - a violation ticket of $287 can be issued.
- Completely extinguish the campfire before you leave it. Do this by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again. You will know it's out when the ashes are cool to the touch. Learn more.
Information on hunting in Alberta can be found at albertaregulations.ca. If you are new to hunting, read more here.
SMOKE IN THE AIR
Smoke continues to drift into the area from wildfires burning in British Columbia and the United States. To see the latest smoke forecast, go to www.firesmoke.ca
If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of smoke from a wildfire, visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for 24-hour health advice.
WILDFIRE SITUATION - September 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
Whitecourt Forest Area
There are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since the start of the 2017 wildfire season, there have been 27 wildfires that have burned 11.42 hectares in the Forest Area.
Province of Alberta
There are currently 14 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
- 5 wildifres are being held, 7 are under control and 2 have been turned over to the responsible parties.
Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 1,158 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 45,413.54 hectares. For information visit the provincial wildfire status map.
FIRE PERMITS
Until the end of the wildfire season, a free fire permit is required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. To get started call:
- Whitecourt patrolman at 780-778-1590 or
- Whitecourt Fire Centre at 780-778-7272
A violation ticket of $287 can be issued for the failure to produce a fire permit when requested by a forest officer. For more information, visit fppa.alberta.ca.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION WHEN YOU NEED IT
To get daily wildfire hazard updates anytime, any place, download the free Alberta Wildfire mobile app for Android or Apple products.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or follow our blog.
To report a wildfire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, call 310-FIRE (3473).
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be at 11:00 a.m. on September 15, 2017.
Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
Phone: 780.706.5336
Email: shannon.stambaugh@gov.ab.ca