Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - August 21, 2023

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 53 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 66,567 hectares (ha).

View active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard. 

Stay away from active wildfire areas | For your safety and to ensure firefighters can do their job safely, please stay away from active wildfire areas. Your cooperation is essential.

Dangerous trees | Be extra cautious near burnt areas and avoid forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfires. Hazards remain from falling trees or branches, especially if conditions are windy, or if there are deep ash pits and burning peat.

Reporting wildfires | Firefighters continue to work on out of control wildfires and fire lookouts are watching for smoke. While we always appreciate people calling in to report wildfires, the large volume of calls we are currently receiving is diverting our resources away from fighting wildfires. As always, please still call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flame that looks new and potentially unreported, but assume that large columns of smoke and burned over areas have already been detected and reported.

The interior of active wildfires can flare up as previously unburnt vegetation catches fire. This is a normal occurrence. Firefighters are monitoring these active fires and working to put out hot spots. There is no need to report flames or smoke in these areas.

Smoke | Lingering smoke may still be visible in some areas and in affected communities. Smoke inversions can trap air near the ground causing dangerous driving conditions and poor air quality. Please use extra caution when driving in smoky conditions, and take necessary precautions if you have smoke-related health concerns.

Drones | The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.

*Transport Canada

SAFE CAMPFIRES

Do your part to prevent wildfires by exercising caution when recreating in the forest. If you are having a campfire, properly extinguish it by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again until the coals are cool to the touch.

A safe campfire should be within a metal, brick or rock fire ring and meet the following requirements:

• Be on rock, gravel, sand or another con-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire.
• Have a responsible person in attendance to keep the fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving.
• Have enough water on hand to extinguish the fire.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

• For road closure information, please visit 511.alberta.ca
• The NASA FIRMS Fire Information website is a great resource to give an idea of the location of wildfires in the area, but it should be noted that this data is based on interpolation and often can make a wildfire appear larger than it actually is.
• Wildfire smoke is a tool used for the location of smoke firesmoke.ca
• Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link.
• Please visit Alberta Emergency Alerts for your community webpage for more information.
  

780-778-7166

• If this line is unavailable, please call 780-778-7153

General Information Related to Alberta Wildfire or Fire Bans, Restrictions, or Advisories

1-866-FYI-FIRE

General/Other Forestry Related Questions

780-778-7153