Your Long Weekend Wildfire Hazard Update

WILDFIRE HAZARD

Rain and cooler temperatures keep the wildfire hazard LOW for the Whitecourt Forest Area.

In the north eastern portions of the Forest Area, grassy areas are creating a fire hazard - be aware that dead, dry grass, twigs and leaves provide fuel for fast moving wildfires. If you are working or recreating in these areas, take the necessary precautions to prevent a wildfire.

Image: When out using your off-highway vehicle this weekend, prevent a wildfire by taking the time to remove mud, grass and branches from your machine - before, during and after your ride.

ARE YOU HAVING A FIRE?

Never leave your warming or cooking fire unattended, especially in areas of dead, dry grass.

Remember that a fire that is not properly extinguished can burn deep into the ground over the winter and emerge in the spring as a wildfire. It takes just a few minutes to properly soak and stir the ashes until they are cool to the touch.

FIRE PERMITS

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.

Tip: Check the weather forecast before you burn, do not burn if the wind speed is over 15 kilometres per hour. Learn more about how to prepare a burn site.

FIRESMART TIPS FOR THIS WEEKEND

With snow in the near future, its time to finish getting your yard cleaned-up and ready for winter. Did you know that cleaning leaves and twigs from your eavestroughs not only prevents clogging but is also FireSmart? Removing the debris reduces fuel for wildfires and can help protect your home. Learn more at FireSmart.ca.

LOCAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There have been no new wildfires since August 3, 2016 in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since April 1, 2016 there have been 36 wildfires in the Area, that have burned just over 671 hectares. Twenty-nine of the wildfires were human-caused meaning that almost all of the wildfires were preventable.

For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.

Visit beta.albertafirebans.ca to learn about fire restrictions or bans across the province.

Unless conditions change, your next email update will be on October 14, 2016.

For more frequent updates, check the Alberta Wildfire App for your mobile Android or Apple products. You can also subscribe to the update to have it emailed to you.

wildfire.alberta.ca

Whitecourt Area Update