Whitecourt Area Update

WF058 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. 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 (as of 10:00 am August 20, 2024)

Since January 1, there have been 1,094 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 705,711 hectares. There are currently 83 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, five are classified as out of control, 39 are being held and 39 are under control.

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

JUNIOR FOREST RANGERS

The season is coming to an end for the Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) program, with the annual Bull of the Woods event taking place this week in the Edson Forest Area. This 2-day event brings all of the JFR crews together, providing a rare opportunity for them to showcase the skills they’ve developed throughout the summer in various forestry areas.

To learn more about the Whitecourt JFR adventures this year, check out their blog. 

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE SAFETY

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) have exhaust systems that get hotter than 200°C. At these temperatures, built-up materials (such as grass, muskeg, moss, or other debris) can heat up, smoulder and ignite. These can fall to the ground as you are riding, starting a wildfire.

You can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps.

• Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
• After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
• Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
• Wash your OHV and keep it clean – do not wash in streams and creeks.
• Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
• Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.