Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - November 24, 2023

Posted on Fri, Nov 24, 2023

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The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is high.

There have been sightings of smoke coming from the Eagle Complex. These small burns are well inside the perimeter of the wildfire and pose no threat to communities. 

If you see smoke or flames in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473).


fire advisory wide

FIRE ADVISORY

A fire advisory is now in effect in the Whitecourt Forest Area due to warm, dry and windy conditions. Lack of significant precipitation has driven up the fire danger. Exposed dry or dead grass and vegetation pose a serious risk. A wildfire can easily ignite and spread under these conditions.

Please wait until there are at least 15 cm of snow on the ground before taking on any burning projects. Fire permits are not required between November 1 and March 1, but you are still responsible for any fires you ignite outside of the wildfire season. Always follow our safe burning guidelines.

Municipalities, parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended and ensure it is fully extinguished when you are done with it. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch.

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

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.


Whitecourt winter fire WWF059 (4)

Wildfire WWF059 was detected on November 20, 2023. It is classified as under control.

WINTER WILDFIRES

Wildfires can still start in cooler weather, especially in dry and windy conditions. Always use caution in forested areas. 

Ensure warming and cooking fires are completely extinguished when you are done with them. Build campfires on bare mineral soil, away from flammable vegetation like dry grass, twigs and leaves. Soak it, stir it and soak it again to ensure it is properly extinguished.

Holdover fires are likely to occur this year due to dry conditions. A fire lit in the winter and left smouldering can burn under the snow and into the ground all winter long. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires. To prevent spring wildfires, check your winter burn sites frequently and ensure that all fires are completely extinguished.


WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 59 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 66,578 hectares (ha).

There are currently four wildfires burning in the Whitecourt Forest Area. They are all under control. 

Since January 1, there have been 1,116 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 2,211,963 hectares.

For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status. 


Hiring firefighters - helicopter (landscape)

NOW HIRING

Alberta Wildfire is currently hiring wildland firefighters for a variety of wildfire crew positions for the 2024 wildfire season. Apply here


firesmart community grant

FIRESMART

It’s that time of year again! Wildfire Community Preparedness Day applications are now open.
If you’re new to FireSmart, Prep Day is about neighbourhoods coming together to work on a project to reduce their wildfire risk. Apply today to receive $500 to fund your neighbourhood project!

CONTACT

Fire ban system

1-866-FYI-FIRE

Provincial Information Officer

(780) 420-1968

 

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