Whitecourt Area Update

Wind Gusting up to 45 Kilometres Today; Fire Ban and OHV Restriction in Effect | Whitecourt Forest Area

Posted on Wed, May 11, 2016

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Wildfire Hazard 

The wildfire hazard for the Whitecourt Forest Area has increased to VERY HIGH. This means a wildfire will start easily and increase quickly in intensity. Areas of dry grass and branches are of the greatest concern for developing a high-intensity wildfire, avoid these areas in particular during your time in forested areas.  

The forecast for today is 15 degrees Celsius, the wind will be north east in direction at 20 to 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 45 kilometres per hour. Rain is not expected today. 

 

Smoke in the Air

Smoke has to drifted into the area from the wildfire burning in Fort McMurray. If you have health concerns regarding smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.

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Image: Western Canada Smoke Forecast issued May 11, 2016

 

Wildfire Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Update | May 11 @ 10:00 a.m.

Currently, there is one wildfire burning in the area, it is considered to be 'under control'. 

  • WWF-023 - started May 8 and is located 2.5 kilometres north of Goose Lake.  No structures or communities are under threat.  The wildfire is UNDER CONTROL at 0.42 hectares in size. Firefighters will continue to monitor the site until the wildfire is fully extinguished.

Since April 1, 2016 there have been 24 wildfires that have burned 9.73 hectares.

Provincial Update | May 11 @ 10:00 a.m.

    • There are currently 19 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One is considered out of control, one is being held, 11 are under control and six have been turned over to the responsible party.

Since April 1, 2016, Alberta has recorded 407 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 243,941.61 hectares.

For more information about wildfires across the province visit wildfire.alberta.ca.

 

Our firefighters are strategically positioned within our Forest Area to take action on any new wildfire - they are ready! Do your part by learning about the current province-wide Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction. Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility. From home owners, to industry and  government we all have responsibility to lessen the effects of wildfire, learn more at FireSmartCanada.ca.

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Image: Whitecourt Forest Area firefighters are strategically located and are ready.

 

 

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Fire Ban Remains in Effect

Due to the extreme fire hazard in northern Alberta, a province-wide Fire Ban has been declared. All existing Fire Permits are canceled and no new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve. For full details, visit albertafirebans.ca.



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Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction Remains in Effect

The use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) for recreational use on all public lands within the province of Alberta are being restricted to help prevent the spread of wildfires.

  • If Albertan's are witnessing restricted OHV activities they can call the Report a Poacher Line at 1-800-642-3800.
  • For more information you can visit emergency.alberta.ca.

 

 

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next update on May 12, 2016.

Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
email: Shannon.Stambaugh@gov.ab.ca
office: 780-778-7273 | mobile: 780-706-5336
 
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