Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update June 19, 2023

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The fire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is LOW.

While some precipitation was received, many parts of the region received little or no precipitation. We appreciate your patience and continued cooperation as we assess the fire conditions and the forecasted weather. A fire restriction remains in place. Please take extra caution when working or recreating in the area. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.

SAFETY MESSAGES

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 flame 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

FIRE RESTRICTION

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect across the Whitecourt Forest Area.

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Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:

Prohibited:

All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
The use of fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards

This fact sheet has further information on the fire restriction.

Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted areas. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.

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Exhaust systems heat up to temperatures in excess of 200°C. At these temperatures, built up materials and debris on your machine (such as grass, muskeg, moss) can heat up, smoulder and ignite. Smouldering debris can drop to the ground as you are riding, starting a wildfire.

For more information, see Off-highway vehicles: Wildfire prevention tips.

Warm weather and winds can quickly dry the fine fuels raising the danger levels. If you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE(2473).

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 44 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. A total of 66,572 ha has been burned by these wildfires.

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

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

Eagle Complex WCX-001 (WWF023, GWF027, GWF040)

More than 300 firefighters and support personnel are allocated to the Eagle Complex. Alberta Wildfire is receiving support from an incident management team and firefighters from Australia, as well as firefighters from British-Columbia, Idaho and South Africa.

Firefighters are focusing on extending and strengthening containment lines for both GWF-027 and WWF-023. This is being completed by ground crews and heavy equipment groups. Crews are also continuing to work along priority spots on the fire line for both fires, extinguishing active fire and patrolling for hot spots. A crew is also working on extinguishing GWF040. Helicopters with buckets continue to support grounds crews, dependent on resource availability.

To see the latest map of the wildfires in the Eagle Complex, click here.

WWF-023 detected on May 5, is listed as being held at 54,639 ha. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

GWF-027 was detected on May 13 and is out of control at 54,988 ha. Cause for this wildfire is under investigation.

GWF-040 was on June 7 and is listed as under control at 1.3 ha.

All wildfires in Alberta are investigated and these wildfires remain under investigation. To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.

AREA ADJACENT WILDFIRES

Deep Creek Complex (EWF035, WCU001, WCU002)

EWF035, WCU001 & WCU002 are part of the Deep Creek Complex. For wildfire updates on this group of wildfires, please visit alberta.ca/edson-area-update.

Wildhay Complex (EWF037, EWF040)

For wildfire updates on this group of wildfires, please visit alberta.ca/edson-area-update and scroll down to view information.

Grizzly Complex (SWF057, SWF063, SWF064)

For wildfire updates on this group of wildfires, please visit alberta.ca/slave-lake-area-update.

Volunteer Information

Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province, please contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:

Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
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.

FIRESMART BEGINS AT HOME

Protecting your home starts with simple actions.

There are many factors that may impact your property's risk to wildfire. FireSmart Canada has great videos you can view on various topics and improve your fire preparedness. You can check out these videos by clicking here and viewing their videos on YouTube.

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Whitecourt Area Update