The wildfire hazard is HIGH in the Whitecourt Wildfire Management A rea (WWMA). We will reach a high of 29 degrees Celsius and the wind will be south at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. No rain or lighting is in the forecast for the next 24 hours.

Many wildfires are burning north of the Management Area. Smoke has been drifting into the area from the wildfires burning in High Level and Fort McMurray areas. If you have any smoke related health concerns, call Alberta Health Link by dialing 811. Learn more about the Air Quality Health Index here.

For information on road closures, please dial 511 or go to the website: 511.alberta.ca.

Local Wildfires (information current as of July 2, 12noon)

There are two wildfires in the Whitecourt WMA:

WWF-045
Status: Out Of Control.
Size: 31.2 hectares in size.
Location: The wildfire continues to be 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.

There are 24 firefighters, one helicopter and various heavy equipment fighting this wildfire. The wildfire has been completely surrounded by fire guard, the helicopter is extinguishing open flame. Firefighters continue the hard work of using hand tools and pumps to extinguish smoldering areas on the ground, they are being supported by the heavy equipment. The firefighters will work from the exterior of the wildfire to the interior.

wwf45_july2

Images: (above) a look from the air and from the ground at WWF-045; (middle)
firefighters working; (below) map of area including town of Swan Hills, the wildfire is outlined in red.

wwf45_july2a

WWF-044
Status: Under Control at 0.80 hectares in size.
Location: just under 50 kilometres west of the town of Fox Creek.
Current activity on the wildfire: we continue to monitor the wildfire, looking for smoldering areas and extinguishing them.

Since April 1, 2015, there have been 45 wildfires which have burned 64.00 hectares.

Provincial Wildfires

In the last 24 hours there have been 19 new wildfires. Alberta currently has 115 wildfires. 46 are out of control, 18 are being held, and 51 are under control. Six 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 1,237 wildfires that have burned a total of 230,984.51 hectares.

Areas north of the Whitecourt Wildfire Management area are under a Fire Weather Advisory, if you are traveling north today, make sure you are informed. Click here for information.

As of June 26, 2015 the Whitecourt Wildfire Management A rea 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.

Other wildfire management areas within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) and some municipalities (including towns, summer villages, counties or provincial parks) have maintained or issued a new fire advisory, restriction or ban. Please visit www.albertafirebans.ca to ensure that there is not a fire ban or restriction in your area before burning.

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.

Never leave your campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again to properly extinguish it.

Visit us on Facebook, Twitter or download our Alberta Wildfire App for android and apple products

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 3rd.

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

Whitecourt Area Update

Firefighters Continue to Battle Wildfire; Fire Advisory Remains

Local Wildfires (information current as of July 2, 12noon)

Provincial Wildfires

How Can You Help?

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