Areas north of the Whitecourt Wildfire Management area are under a Fire Weather Advisory, if you are traveling north today, make sure you are informed. Click here for information.
If a wildfire does occur, conditions may cause rapid spread, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the wildfire quickly. Fire weather advisories are only issued when conditions significantly increase the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
Local Wildfires (information current as of July 3, 11am)
There are two wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA:
WWF-045
Status: Out Of Control at 36.7 hectares in size.
Location: The wildfire continues to be 11 kilometres south of the town of Swan Hills, east of Highway 32. It is 3.5 kilometres northeast of the Freeman River Provincial Recreation Area. There are no communities at risk.
Late yesterday afternoon, the wildfire jumped the Fireguard (see image) by sending off firebrands (also known as spotting) that were carried by the wind. Firefighters were strategically postioned and were able to quickly take action; thanks to thier hard work, the growth was minimal.
Today there are 39 firefighters, two helicopters and various heavy equipment fighting this wildfire. Firefighters continue using hand tools and pumps to extinguish flame and smoldering areas on the ground, they are being supported by the heavy equipment. They will continue to work from the exterior of the wildfire to the interior.
Images: (above) WWF-045 spotting and Fireguard which is a strategically planned barrier, constructed by heavy equipment The Firegaurd is intended to stop or slow down the rate of spread of a wildfire; (below) map with the wildfire outlined in red, located in the bottom right corner.
WWF-044
Status: Under Control at 0.80 hectares in size. It is located just under 50 kilometres west of the town of Fox Creek. We continue to monitor the wildfire, looking for smoldering areas and extinguishing them.
Since April 1, 2015, there have been 45 wildfires which have burned 67.00 hectares.
Provincial Wildfires
In the last 24 hours there have been 22 new wildfires. Alberta currently has 129 wildfires. 51 are out of control, 20 are being held, 57 are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party. Three wildfires have been extinguished within the last 24 hours. For more information click here or download the Alberta Wildfire App for android or apple.
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 1,260 wildfires that have burned a total of 250,859.29 hectares.
As of June 26, 2015 the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area is now under a Fire Advisory.
What does this mean?
- Safe campfires ARE allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas.
- Fire permits are now SUSPENDED and are no longer being issued until conditions change.
How Can You Help?
If you are using an Off-highway Vehicle during your day, periodically stop and check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches or debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire. Learn more here.
Never leave your campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again to properly extinguish it.
Visit us on Facebook, Twitter or download our Alberta Wildfire App for android and apple products
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 4th.
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
mobile: 780.706.5336