Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update May 2, 2023

Written by Alberta Wildfire | May 3, 2023 1:20:31 AM

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). 

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

WCU001 was detected on April 29 and is burning out of control, located approximately 9 km southeast of Evansburg. AB Wildfire is assisting Parkland County. Alberta Wildfire has heavy equipment assigned to the wildfire. A dozer group and heavy equipment are on site. The estimated size is currently 503 ha.

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.

WCU002 was detected on the evening of April 29 and is a mutual aid wildfire located on both sides of Highway 22, north of Highway 16. The wildfire is currently burning out of control. The wildfire was re-assessed and is now estimated to be 2,320 ha in size.  The fire is burning in a mixture of grass, shrub, trees and marsh. Both Yellowhead County and Alberta Wildfire are actioning this wildfire.

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

WIR001 Alberta wildfire is assisting the Paul First Nations with WIR001 with heavy equipment and one helicopter. This wildfire was detected last night, continues to burn out of control and is estimated to be 100 ha in size.

WWF015 located near the Hamlet of Blue Ridge is now being held at 47 ha. 

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.

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
 
A fire restriction is in effect for most of Central Alberta in the Forest Protection Area due to high fire hazard.
 
Under this advisory:
·         Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued
·         Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed
·         Essential burning may be allowed with written permission from a forest officer
 
Prohibited:
·         All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.
 
Allowed:
·         Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) on private lands and in provincial campgrounds.
·         Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
·         Propane/ natural gas powered appliances.
·         Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
·         Cooking, warming and lighting devices – all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.
 
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 restriction will remain in effect until fuel and weather conditions improve.

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 UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 18 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 101 ha.

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

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 297 wildfires burning a total of 1162hectares.

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. 

RELATED INFORMATION
 
Fire Permits

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

 
For more wildfire information please contact:
 
Provincial Information Officer 
Phone: (780) 420-1968
wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca 

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