WILDFIRE HAZARD
The wildfire hazard is MODERATE for the Whitecourt Forest Area. There are risks of thunderstorms that will produce lightning over the next few days - if you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).
HANDY TIPS WHEN HAVING A CAMPFIRE...
- Select your site - use a designated stove, ring or fire pit if possible. Use sites clear of dry grass, bushes, leave branches and other flammable vegetation.
- Prepare your campfire - have the right tools including a shovel, axe and enough water to fully extinguish your campfire.
- Extinguish your campfire - soak it, stir it, soak it again. When its out, you will not be able to feel any heat or see smoke.
Image: Over 200 grade four students at the Huestis Demonstration Forest learning first-hand from our highly trained, experienced firefighters. The experience included showing what a safe campfire looks like and what it means to fully extinguish a campfire.
TIPS WHEN USING YOUR OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV)
OHV's can start a wildfire - keep your machine debris free.
WILDFIRE UPDATE
Currently, the Iosegun Lake Wildfire is the only wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Iosegun Lake Wildfire (WWF025)- Started at 1:00 p.m. May 15. As of May 23, the wildfire remains classified as UNDER CONTROL. It is 657 hectares in size and its not expected to grow - there are no open flames within this wildfire. Firefighters are monitoring the wildfire area with ground and air patrols and will continue until the wildfire is fully extinguished. A map of the wildfire area is here.
To date, there have been 31 wildfires that have burned 671.56 hectares in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Image: Firefighters, heavy equipment, helicopters and airtankers are strategically positioned to fight any new wildfires that start.
FIRE PERMIT
Help firefighters by getting a fire permit. Avoid a false alarm and make sure firefighters are where they are needed - not in your backyard.
A fire permit is required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. If you are in the Whitecourt Forest Area, get the permit process started today by calling: 780-778-7272.
ALBERTA FIRE BANS
You can have a campfire and use your off-highway vehicle in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Municipalities or provincial parks may have their own advisory or restriction or ban in place, check beat.albertafirebans.ca
72 HOUR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT 
In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. The wildfire emergency preparedness guide is here. To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit GetPrepared.ca. You can also download the Alberta Emergency Alert App for Android or Apple products.
Unless conditions change, your next update will be on June 30, 2016
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
Whitecourt Forest Area
email: Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
office: 780-778-7273 | mobile: 780-706-5336
