Whitecourt Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is high.

Do not take on any burning projects this week, as winds gusting up to 40 km/h are expected today and tomorrow. Wind gusts of up to 80 km/h are expected in the Swan Hills area.

Any spark could ignite a fast moving wildfire in these conditions. Please use extreme caution in forested areas and ensure campfires are fully extinguished. 

There have been sightings of smoke coming from the Eagle Complex (wildfires WWF-023 and GWF-027). 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

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.

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.

CONTACT

RELATED INFORMATION

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

Social media:

Apps:

• Alberta Wildfire Status App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.