WILDFIRE HAZARD
Strong winds gusting to 40 kilometers per hour are forecast for today. Together with warmer temperatures and dry conditions the wildfire hazard remains EXTREME for the Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area (WWMA). No significant rain is expected in the near future. Dry grass, leaves and branches will continue to catch fire easily. We encourage everyone to be extra careful while working, recreating and using Off-Highway Vehicles in forested areas.
FIRE ADVISORY
Due to the extreme wildfire hazard and strong wind conditions, 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 (1000hrs, May 14, 2015)
Whitecourt Wildfire Management Area
Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA.
Since April 1, 2015, there have been 16 wildfires in the area which have burned 11.68 hectares.
Provincial Wildfires
There are 17 wildfires burning in Alberta. Two are out of control, one is being held, 11 are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible party.
o EWF-015 is considered out of control and is located approximately eight km northwest of Lodgepole. We currently have 98 firefighters, four helicopters, and six pieces of heavy equipment fighting this 753 hectare wildfire. For more information, please check the Edson Wildfire Management Area wildfire update.
o HWF-079 is considered out of control and is located approximately 150 km east of High Level. We currently have 38 firefighters, two airtankers, and three helicopters fighting this 120 hectare wildfire.
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 382 new wildfires that have burned a total of 1,755.86 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 15th.
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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