Whitecourt Area Update

Wildfire Hazard Remains, Despite Rain - Fire Advisory In Place

Posted on Thu, Jun 11, 2015

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This weekend and into early next week we can expect a sun-cloud mix with chances of rain showers during the day. The wind will be mainly from the northwest at 20km/hr, gusting to 40km/hr and will switch to a westerly flow by the weekend. We will reach maximum temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. Lighting is expected to accompany the rain showers.
Although we are starting to get rain showers and some relief from the dry conditions we have seen over the past month, we continue to needing a significant amount of rain to reduce the risk of wildfire in the area. These dry conditions create a VERY HIGH wildfire hazard for the  Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA).

Expect smoke in the air from an out of control wildfire burning in the Willmore Wilderness Park, smoke will continue drifting into the area for the next few days. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta health services website or call 811 for 24hr health advise from health link Alberta. For a smoke forecast map please visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada

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photo: just a regular day for our firefighters, read more here.

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Fire Advisory Issued

A fire advisory is in effect. Strong winds and dry, warm conditions cause wildfire to start quickly and grow fast. For your safety, all fire permits are suspended. No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve. 

Safe campfires are currently allowed, but may be restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. For more information please call 780-778-7272.

In most parts of the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area, safe campfires are allowed at this time. Other jurisdictions outside the Forest Protection Area (FPA) along with towns, summer villages, counties and provincial parks, may have issued fire restrictions or bans.  Find out more  at albertafirebans.ca.

Local Wildfires (June 11)

Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA. Below is an image of WWF-035 that is now extinguished, this was a lighting fire. If you see smoke in the forest, help our crews respond quickly by calling 310-FIRE.

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Since April 1, 2015, there have been 38 wildfires which have burned 26.96 hectares.

Provincial Wildfires

Alberta currently has 34 wildfires. Four are out of control, five are being held, 22 are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible party.          

  • Provincial wildfires of note:        
    • EWF-054 also known as the Rockslide Creek Wildfire is considered out of control and is located approximately 40 km south of Grande Cache. There are eight firefighters and six helicopters fighting this 3,500 hectare wildfire. Area Update  
       
    • LWF-122 also known as the Burnt Lake Wildfire is being held and is located approximately 40 kilometres north of Cold Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 254 firefighters, 15 helicopters and 46 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this 31,997 hectare wildfire..Area update
          
    • HWF-157 also known as the Harper Creek Wildfire is considered out of control and is located approximately 18 kilometres south of Fox Lake. There are 40 firefighters and five helicopters are fighting this 4,238 hectare wildfire..Area update

Alberta currently has 34 wildfires. Four are out of control, five are being held, 22 are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible party.  

Ask A Firefighter!

How do you properly put out a campfire? Here's the answer in this short video!

 

How Can You Help? 

If you are using an 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.

OHV_cleaningUnless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update June 15th.

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Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
mobile: 780.706.5336