Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update April 30 2023

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

Alberta Wildfire continues to assist municipalities in responding to a number of wildfires in the area.

As a result of the continuing above average temperatures and windy conditions, the wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area has been amended and is now listed as VERY HIGH.

Use caution when recreating or working in areas of dry grass as a wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly. If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE(3473). 

April 30, 2023 - Various agencies are responding to multiple wildfires.

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

WCU001 was detected on April 29 and is located approximately 9 km south east of Evansburg. Alberta Wildfire is assisting Parkland County. Airtankers worked today along the west and northwest side of the wildfire. Alberta Wildfire also has three helicopters and three dozers assigned to the wildfire.

The estimated size is currently 340 ha and WCU001 remains out of control at this time. 

For updates from Parkland County and evacuation information, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ParklandCountyAB Residents in the affected areas can contact the Emergency Information Line at 1-780-968-8888.

EWF017/WCU002 has been merged into a single incident (WCU002).

WCU002 is a mutual aid wildfire on the east side of Hwy 22, EWF017 was located on the west side of Hwy 22. It is burning out of control and currently moving towards the west-northwest. The wildfire is estimated to be 2,221ha in size. Strong winds and very dry fuel are the main factors that this wildfire is spreading so quickly. The fire is burning in a mixture of grass, shrub, trees and marsh. 

Both Yellowhead County and AB Wildfire are working together to contain the spread of the wildfire. Today, we have a total of 13 pieces of heavy equipment and three helicopters assisting 21 firefighters. Airtankers arrived earlier today and assisted with suppression activities.

Tonight, dozers will continue to build containment lines to prevent the wildfire from spreading further. A night vision capable helicopter will also be working in the area tonight. This helitanker is capable of assessing the fire and dropping water onto hotspots. 

For updates from Yellowhead County and evacuation information, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty Residents in the affected areas can contact the Yellowhead County Emergency Information Line at 1-833-334-4630.

For updates on WCU002 please visit https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update

WWF015 located near the Hamlet of Blue Ridge remains out of control at 48 hectares. Firefighters from Alberta Wildfire, assisted by members of the Blue Ridge Fire Department, continue to make good progress along the perimeter of the wildfire.

CN Rail expects to have its line re-opened in the near future and will commence work on cleanup of derailed train cars Monday.

Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard. 

We urge everyone in this area to monitor Alberta Emergency Alert. There are evacuation orders and alerts in effect at this time. The municipalities will instruct the public regarding evacuation alerts or orders. To learn more, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx

For road closure information, please visit: https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts 

If you have smoke related health concerns, please contact AB 811 click here for more information.

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta due to dry conditions and forecasted weather.

Under this advisory:

• No new fire permits will be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning (machine piled windrows and piles).
• All other fire permits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of a forest officer.
• Burn barrel and incinerator permits are not effected.

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation. Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE 

There are currently 15 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since January 1 these fires have burned 101.4 hectares.

To help prevent spring wildfires, we ask all Albertans to revisit their fall and winter burns and make sure they are extinguished.

To view wildfires active across Alberta click here.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 247 wildfires burning a total of 830.72 hectares.

CHECK WINTER BURNS

Now that spring is here, it's important to check any winter burns as they can re-emerge as a wildfire. When the snow starts to melt, it can expose dead and dry grass, twigs and leaves that can be fuel for a fast-moving wildfire. 

We ask Albertans to ensure all fall and winter burns are completely extinguished. All burning in the Forest Protection Area needs a fire permit except for campfires after March 1.

When checking winter burns:

• Walk the area and check for heat. Fire can smoulder underground only to reappear under drier conditions as a wildfire.
• Insert a metal probe into the burned area and then feel it for heat to ensure nothing is burning in the ground.
• Soak it, stir it and soak it again and check that it's cool to the touch.

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED

Now that it's wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape.

Fire permits are one of the many prevention tools Alberta Wildfire uses to keep track of burning being done throughout the province. This ensures that when smoke is reported, we can look into our system and check whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn being done. 

If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, enforcement action may be taken. 

Fire permits are free and now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request yours. You’ll need a MyAlberta Digital ID to request a permit, so be sure to sign-up online at account.alberta.ca/signup first. Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local forest area office. The Whitecourt Forest Area can be reached by calling 780-778-7153.

Nearly all spring wildfires are started by humans. Last year, more than 60 per cent of all wildfires in the province were human-caused. We all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable wildfires. Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, OHV exhaust, or agricultural burning, everyone can help reduce the risk.

Remember: before you leave a fire, make sure it is completely extinguished. Soak it, stir it and soak it again.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. 

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination. 

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

Social Media:

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.