The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area remains high.
Please hold off on any burning projects until conditions improve. 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.
TREE CUTTING PERMITS
Are you interested in harvesting your own Christmas tree this year? Be sure to obtain your Personal Use Forest Products Permit (PUFPP) for free before you visit one of the province’s designated Crown land areas.
Harvesting a Christmas tree is a highlight of the season for many, making for a great opportunity to create holiday traditions and enjoy our forested areas. Last year over 14,600 permits were distributed specifically for Christmas trees!
Please visit www.alberta.ca/treecuttingpermits for more information on how to acquire your free permit.
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 1,123 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.
FIRESMART
CONTACT
1-866-FYI-FIRE
Provincial Information Officer
(780) 420-1968
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
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