Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update May 5, 2023

Written by Alberta Wildfire | May 5, 2023 5:41:55 PM

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). 

WWF20 is under control (May 4, 2023)

ACTIVE WILDFIRES

WCU001 was detected on April 29 and is now considered out of control, located approximately 9 km southeast of Evansburg. AB Wildfire is assisting Parkland County. Alberta Wildfire has heavy equipment and a unit crew assigned to the wildfire. 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 was detected on May 1, continues to burn out of control and is estimated to be 100 ha in size. Alberta Wildfire staff are assisting with pump and hose equipment.

WWF015 located near the Hamlet of Blue Ridge is now under control at 47 ha. 

WWF017 was detected the evening of May 3 and is located 4.4 km Northeast of the Town of Fox Creek between Iosegun Lake and Raspberry Lake. This wildfire is considered under control at 4 ha in size. Crews will continue to aggressively work to further contain the fire.

WWF018 and WWF019 were detected on May 3 and are now extinguished.

WWF020 and WWF021 were detected yesterday morning and are each considered under control. A four person crew and helicopter are working at both sites to extinguish flames.

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 BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION NOW IN EFFECT

A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area due to extreme fire danger.

Under this fire ban:

  • All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
  • No new Fire Permits will be issued

Prohibited:

  • All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
  • Backyard firepits
  • BBQ charcoal briquettes
  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets
  • The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

  • 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
  • Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes
  • Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs
  • Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands

 

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

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Find wildfire forecasts, weather maps and information about how fire danger is monitored in Alberta please visit: alberta.ca/fire-weather-and-forecasts.aspx

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 21 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 106 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 350 wildfires burning a total of 3088 ha. 

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:
 
Rebecca Isbister
Wildfire Information Officer | Whitecourt Forest Area
Cell:  780-706-5336
rebecca.isbister@gov.ab.ca

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