Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger across the Whitecourt Forest Area is LOW. Wildfires can still ignite but are not expected to spread into deeper vegetation layers or to larger fuels, such as trees, due to the moisture in the area.

While the Whitecourt Forest Area has experienced rainfall it is still important to exercise caution in the outdoors this upcoming long weekend. Many areas of the province are under fire advisories, restrictions, and bans.

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area.

To report wildfires please call 310-FIRE (3473).

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 54 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 29 hectares (ha).

There are two active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area but they are under control.

WWF044 was discovered on July 16, and is located east of Fox Creek. It is 1 ha in size and is classified as under control. This means the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

WWF043 was discovered on July 16, and is located approximately 14 kilometers northwest of the Virginia Hills Road and Hope Creek Road intersection. It is 8.5 ha in size and is classified as under control. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, there have been 1,008 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 561,780 hectares (ha). There are currently 117 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 19 are classified as out of control, 47 are classified as being held and 51 are under control.

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Fire Restriction wide-1

A fire restriction is in effect for parts of the Whitecourt Forest Area.

Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks), are exempt from this restriction. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own restrictions and may have complementary restrictions in place. To view the map of the restriction in detail visit Alberta Fire Bans.

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

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Stay up to date by visiting Alberta Fire Bans website or downloading the application onto your smartphone: Apple or Android.

Alberta Fire Bans_V2 2022

LONG WEEKEND MESSAGE

Depending on the area you may visit this weekend some campfires may not be allowed. The Whitecourt Forest Area is under a FIRE RESTRICTION meaning that all outdoor wood fires on public land are prohibited. For more details on what is allowed in the area please visit Alberta Fire Bans.

If you do have a safe campfire in the appropriate location please ensure you extinguish your campfire properly by:

Letting the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.
Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.
Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.
If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

For more information regarding campfires visit safe campfires.

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OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES

At this time there is no OHV ban within the Whitecourt Forest Area in the Forest Protection Area. However, within municipal boundaries of towns, hamlets or summer villages the governing organization can prohibit the use of certain equipment. To stay in the know of fire ban information please visit Alberta Fire Bans. We strongly encourage you to research the local regulations in the area you would like to ride in, before heading out.

If you are riding your OHV in forested areas please ensure you stop often and check your hotspots. Vegetation can build up in certain areas on your machine, as the material heats up, it can drop off and start a wildfire as you ride away.

Avoid idling on tall, dry grass and always carry firefighting equipment with you. Fire fighting equipment can include things like a shovel, fire extinguisher or a small water tank.

FIRESMART

As most of us live in the Wildland Urban Interface it is up to us to ensure that our homes are protected while living in the forested areas of Alberta. There are small practices that you can do to protect your home from a wildfire.

The FireSmart Home Ignition Zone can get you started as your walk around your property identifying potential improvements you can make to the landscape. To find out more about FireSmart practices you can visit FireSmart Alberta.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Are you and your family prepared when an emergency occurs? If you're not sure where to start you can information at Alberta.ca to get started today!

WILDFIRE DASHBOARD

The location and details of all active wildfires in Alberta is available on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. This is a great resource to get the most up-to-date information and important statistics like the number of wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, their sizes, locations and more.

You can also download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android.

For more information, please contact:

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