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.
If you see smoke or flames in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is now in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area portion of the Forest Protection Area due to the limited amount of snow and predicted warmer temperatures and high winds.
Under this advisory:
- New permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis, only for essential burning.
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
When operating equipment remember to 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 grasses to ignite into a wildfire.
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Wildfire season started early
Alberta’s wildfire season is starting early this year, on February 20. This means that fire permits will be required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire. The early start is due to the drought conditions occurring in many areas of the province, which could lead to elevated fire danger if we do not receive significant rain in the spring.
Please do your part to help prevent human caused wildfires by using caution in forested areas. Now’s the time to go back and check on any winter burn projects to make sure they are fully extinguished. Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.
Fire permits are free and can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online. You may also request your fire permit by calling the Whitecourt forestry office at 780-778-7153.
Winter burning
Holdover fires are likely to occur this year due to dry conditions. A fire lit in the winter and left smouldering can burn under the snow and into the ground all winter long. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires. To prevent spring wildfires, check your winter burn sites frequently and ensure that all fires are completely extinguished.
Please get a fire permit for any burning project, other than a campfire, and always follow our safe burning guidelines.
Since January 1, 2024 there has been one wildfire reported in the Whitecourt Forest Area, which has been extinguished.
There are currently new wildfires burning in the Whitecourt Forest Area. They are carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season. They are all under control and being monitored by firefighters.
For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.
Now hiring
Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We hire a variety of positions for the 2024 wildfire season. Apply today through the Alberta Jobs portal.
FireSmart
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how you can reduce the risk and negative impact of wildfire to your home, neighbourhood and community.
To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
CONTACT
1-866-FYI-FIRE
Provincial Information Officer
(780) 420-1968
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
Social media:
Apps: