Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire 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 very 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 see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).

Fire Ban wide

A fire ban is in effect as of 4 p.m. on July 10 in the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Whitecourt Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.

Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks), are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see if a fire ban or restriction is in place in your area.

Under this fire ban:

All fire permits are suspended or cancelled.
No new fire permits will be issued.
Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.

Prohibited:

All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits
Barbeque charcoal briquettes
Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances
Indoor wood fires inside a structure (such as a facility, building, tent or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
Open flame oil devices (such as deep fryers and tiki torches). All devices must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.

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

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

fire ban- july 10 at 1600

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1st, 2024, there have been 37 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 19 hectares (ha).

There are currently two active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

WWF038 was discovered on July 10th and is located 41km northwest of Fort Assiniboine. It is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 0.02 ha in size. Crews are currently on scene and this fire is under investigation.

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

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SUMMARY (as of 10:00 am July 10, 2024)

Since January 1, there have been 647 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned 177,157.47 hectares (ha).
There are currently 63 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area. Of these wildfires, 14 are classified as out of control, 23 are being held and 26 are under control.
There are currently 4 carryover wildfires from the 2023 season.

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

MEET EMBER THE FIRESMART FOX

Meet Ember, FireSmart’s official mascot. Ember teaches Canadians how to apply FireSmart principles to their homes and properties so they can be more resilient against the threat of wildfire.

Ember reminds us of the simple yet effective steps to take to reduce wildfire risk for our homes and our communities.

OTHER FIRESMART INFORMATION

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit FireSmart Alberta to learn how taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard can increase your property's resistance to wildfire.

Download the Farm and Acreage Guide for additional information for rural properties.

For more information, please contact:

selfie hubspot