Whitecourt Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is VERY HIGH. 

When fire danger levels are set to very high, High-intensity fire is expected and likely to spread to treetops. Fire is expected to start easily and to challenge suppression efforts.

The fire danger level in our area is high, hot and dry conditions will continue well into next week.

As a result of the heat, grasses and forested areas will dry out quickly. We all play a part in preventing wildfires. If you are camping in the coming days remember to fully extinguish your campfire.  

If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473). 

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR THE WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

Under this advisory:

See Alberta Fire Bans for a map of the area affected. 

Existing fire permits remain valid, but extension requests may not be granted.

• New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, with written authorization from a forest officer.
• Any heavy burn permits currently active, will be suspended
• Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas.
• Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.

Burn barrel permits are not affected by this advisory.

We encourage any landowners who have done burning over the last little while to revisit the burn location to ensure these fires are fully extinguished.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.

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

To view wildfires on our interactive map, visit the wildfire status page and follow the active wildfire link.

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Smoke may be visible in the area over the next few days

Over the next few days, we anticipate some visible smoke in the area.

 For more information on wildfire smoke and you're health please visit canada.ca/wildfire-smoke

To see more information related to smoke in the area, please visit firesmoke.ca.

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NEVER LEAVE A CAMPFIRE UNATTENDED

SOAK IT, STIR IT, AND SOAK IT AGAIN

• Let 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 smolder 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

• Alberta wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during long weekends
  

 For more information, please contact: 

RELATED INFORMATION

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

Social media:

Apps:

• Alberta Wildfire Status App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.