Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger across the Whitecourt Forest Area is LOW. This is due to recent precipitation and cooler temperatures that are expected to continue for a few days. The region is likely to experience a return to higher daytime temperatures in the coming week.

There are currently no fire bans, restrictions or advisories for the Whitecourt Forest Area. For more information, please visit Alberta Fire Bans.

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

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 58 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 29.49 hectares (ha).

There is currently one active wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

WWF058 is classified as UNDER CONTROL which means the wildfire is completely contained and will be extinguished. It is located northwest of Whitecourt and estimated to be 0.07 ha in size. There are currently eight firefighters and two pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this wildfire, and the cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

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

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE (as of 10:00 am August 16, 2024)

Since January 1, there have been 1,091 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 659,515 hectares. There are currently 105 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, eight are classified as out of control, 46 are being held and 51 are under control.

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

AIR QUALITY

Due to winds carrying smoke from wildfires across the province and other parts of Canada, the region is experiencing smoky air conditions. You might also encounter falling ash, as it can travel significant distances with the smoke. Fire Smoke (captured below) provides high-resolution, interactive forecasts for hourly, daily average, and daily maximum concentrations of wildfire smoke. If you have health concerns, please visit or contact Alberta 811.

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

Depending on your location, there may be advisories, restrictions or bans in effect. Before heading out, be sure to check Alberta Fire Bans to determine what is or is not permitted in the area.

If you do have campfire, be sure to choose an appropriate location. Here are some helpful reminders:

In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire.
When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of: dry grass, bushes, leaves, branches, tree trunks, peat moss and overhanging branches.
If a site has already been used for a campfire, use the same site.
Build your campfire on level ground that is sheltered from wind.
If you cannot build your fire near a water source, have a large container of water nearby to keep your campfire under control.

Please visit our website for more information on campfire safety.

Aug Long Campfire

FIRE PERMITS

You need a fire permit for any burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire, until October 31. Fire permits ensure safe burning practices and allow staff to know where burning is approved so firefighters and aircraft are free to fight wildfires. Your municipality may have its own rules and restrictions in place. Visit Alberta.ca or call the Whitecourt Forestry office at 780-778-7153 to get your free fire permit.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Subscribe to Whitecourt Forest Area Updates to receive an email notification when new information is posted.

Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices. Once you open the app, click the "i" icon at the bottom left to view the latest forest area updates.

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

For more information, please contact:

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