Warm and dry conditions continue in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA); the wildfire hazard has increased to VERY HIGH. The wind is currently south west at 15 kilometres per hour (km/hr) and will switch to north 20 km/hr, gusting up to 40km/hr later in the day. We will reach a high of 24 degrees Celsius today with a slight chance of rain.
SMOKE IN THE AIR
Many wildfires are burning north of the Management Area. Later this afternoon smoke may drift into the area from the wildfires burning in High Level and Fort McMurray.
If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Find out the latest smoke update here: www.firesmoke.ca.
You can learn more about Alberta's Air Quality Health Index or call 1-877-247-7333.
Image: Projected smoke forecast for this afternoon.
Image taken from: Western Canada Smoke Forecast.
Local Wildfires (information current as of July 6, 11am)
In the last 24 hours, there have been no new wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA; currently there are three wildfires:
Whitecourt Wildfire number 46 (WWF-046)
Status: This wildfire started July 3, 2015. No growth has happened on this wildfire, it is classified as BEING HELD at 0.33 hectares in size.
Location: The wildfire is located just over 14 kilometres northwest of the town of Whitecourt, approximately 6 km west of Highway 32.
Current activity on the wildfire: Firefighters continue to monitor the wildfire, looking for smoldering areas and extinguishing them.
Whitecourt Wildfire number 45 (WWF-045)
Status: The wildfire started July 1, 2015. It is classified as UNDER CONTROL at 32.4 hectares in size. We are expecting no further spread of this wildfire.
Location: The wildfire is 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.
Current activity on the wildfire: Today there are nine firefighters, a helicopter 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: working from the exterior of the wildfire to the interior.
Whitecourt Wildfire number 44 (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 46 wildfires which have burned 65.51 hectares.
Provincial Wildfires
In the last 24 hours there have been six new wildfires. Alberta currently has 97 wildfires. 41 are out of control, 17 are being held, 38 are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party. Four wildfires have been extinguished within the last 24 hours. Five 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 recorded 1,285 wildfires that have burned a total of 378,920.61 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.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 7th.
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
mobile: 780.706.5336
Visit us on Facebook, Twitter or download our Alberta Wildfire App or download the App for android or apple products.