WILDFIRE HAZARD
Dry and warm conditions have returned for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA) and the wildfire hazard is now HIGH. Winds will be gusting to 40km/hr today and temperatures will be just below 20 degrees Celsius; no significant rain is in the forecast for the next few days.
We encourage everyone to be extra careful while working, recreating and using Off-Highway Vehicles in forested areas.
If you are having a campfire, make sure it is out before you leave; soak it, stir it, soak it again. It should be cool to the touch.
FIRE ADVISORY
A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area.
This means that all fire permits are suspended with the exception of burn barrels. No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve. Burn barrel permit holders must follow the conditions of their permit. Winds will be gusting up to 40km/hr today which exceeds the wind limit on your permit.
Safe campfires are currently allowed, but may be restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. For more information click here.
Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date advisories, restrictions and bans in surrounding areas.
WILDFIRE SUMMARY (1100hrs, May 18, 2015)
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
Currently, there is one wildfire in the Whitecourt WMA. Here are the details:
WWF-017
Status: under control.
Location: just over 47 km southeast of the town of Swan Hills.
Size: 12.73 hectares in size.
Current activity on the fire: 20 firefighters, one helicopter and a water truck are working to extinguish the fire.
Since April 1, 2015, there have been 24 wildfires in the area which have burned 25.38 hectares.
Provincial Wildfires
There are 17 wildfires burning in Alberta. four are being held, nine are under control and four have been turned over to the responsible party.
Update on EWF-015: located approximately eight km northwest of Lodgepole is now being held at 753 hectares in size. For more information, check the Edson Wildfire Management Area wildfire update.
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 412 new wildfires that have burned a total of 1,916.71 hectares.
How can you help? If you are using an off-highway vehicle during your day, periodically check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches and other debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire.
Never leave a fire unattended and make sure to properly extinguish the fire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again. Learn more here.
If you have any questions, please contact me. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update May 19th.
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CURRENT WILDFIRES CURRENT FIREBANS WEATHER FOLLOW US
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
office: 780.778.7273
mobile: 780-706-5336
Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca