Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

Never leave your campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 58 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 29 hectares (ha). There are no active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, there have been 1,107 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) that have burned 706,717 hectares. There are currently 74 active wildfires in the FPA. Of these wildfires, one is classified as out of control, 29 are being held and 44 are under control.

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

FIREWORKS

With the long weekend approaching, it's a good idea to plan ahead and remember that fireworks are not allowed in the FPA without written permission (required year-round). To request permission, contact your local forest area office: Whitecourt Forest Area at 780-778-7153.

Fire works

EXPLODING TARGETS

Similar to fireworks, the use of exploding targets within the FPA is prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer. Written permission is required year-round. To request permission, contact your local forest area office: Whitecourt Forest Area at 780-778-7153.

SAFE CAMPFIRES

Soak it. Stir it. Soak it again.

Do your part to prevent wildfires by exercising caution when recreating in the forest. If you are having a campfire, properly extinguish it by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again until the coals are cool to the touch.

A safe campfire should be within a metal, brick or rock fire ring and meet the following requirements:

Ensure the fire is on a non-combustible surface, such as rock, gravel, or sand, extending at least one meter around it.
Have a responsible person present at all times to maintain control of the fire.
Have enough water on hand to fully extinguish the fire.

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS AND TOOLS

Albertans are asked to always use caution when working or recreating outdoors:

Before you burn it, get your fire permit: fire permits in Alberta.
Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
Ensure your campfire is fully extinguished: soak it, stir it, soak it again.
If you are working within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, you must carry sufficient firefighting equipment as per the Forest Prairie and Protection Act.
For road closure information, visit Alberta 511.
For information regarding smoke in the area, visit FireSmoke.
While there are no fire bans, restrictions, or advisories in the Whitecourt Forest Area right now, nearby regions do have some in place. Please check Alberta Fire Bans for more details.

LOCAL 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, please contact:

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