Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is MODERATE.

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

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. For a map of the restriction boundary, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

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

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FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area due to the accumulation of dry vegetation, which can catch easily and will burn quickly if conditions are right.

Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable. Use extreme caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. A fire will quickly spread in dry and dead grass. If you’re using your OHV, remember to stop often, cool down your machine and check your hotspots. Grass can get stuck in the hot areas of your OHV, heat up and start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.

Under this restriction:

Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.

Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:

All outdoor wood fires.
Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
The use of fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:

Safe wood campfires.
Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. To view restriction boundaries, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

Fire Restriction Fact Sheet

Fire Restriction Map

Wildfire update

Since January 1st, 2024, there have been 18 wildfire in the Whitecourt forest area burning a total of 16 hectares (ha).

There are currently four active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Three of these wildfires are classified as under control and one is a carryover wildfire from 2023.

WWF-018 is located approximately 16 km northeast of Timeu and was discovered on Saturday April 27th. It is currently classified as under control at 0.30 hectares.

WWF-012 is located 18 km north of Fort Assiniboine. It is classified as under control at 5 hectares. The wildfire will be monitored for hotspots and firefighters will extinguish them when found.

WWF-023-2023 is a carryover from the 2023 wildfire season. Alberta Wildfire firefighters are conducting high level scans for hotspots and will work to extinguish the ones that are detected, if any. This fire will remain active until wildland firefighters can fully extinguish the fire.

For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status or download the AB Wildfire Status app for Apple and Android.

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OHV SAFETY

When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work-related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry vegetation to ignite into a wildfire.

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

FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a burn permit, with the exception of campfire. At this time, the Whitecourt Forest Area is not issuing any new burn permits and all existing permits have been suspended or cancelled.

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FIRESMART

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard can increase your property's resistance to wildfire.

Download the Farm and Acreage Guide to Reducing the Risk From Wildfire for additional information.

For more information, please contact:

Wildfire Information Officer

Randi-Marie Adams

(780) 706-5336

Email: randi.adams@gov.ab.ca

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