The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is MODERATE.
The Fire Advisory for the Whitecourt Forest Area has been lifted.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).
For a map of the restriction boundary, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.
Whitecourt Forest Area Training exercise
Alberta Wildfire crews are planning a mock wildfire exercise today, June 1st. This mock event will involve igniting a brush pile in a safe location.
This Exercises will take place in the Virginia Hills area NW of Whitecourt between 1 pm and 4 pm.
Training exercises like this will allow AB wildfire staff to put their skills into action and identify areas for improvement.
Todays training exercise will include;
- Duty Officer, Dispatchers
- Airtankers
- Airtanker Base staff
- Helitack Crews
The event today will take place in a remote area, and some smoke may be visible in the Virginia Hills area.
This mock wildfire event will only take place if it is safe to do so. If wind conditions remain high today, the training exercise will be postponed.
CAMPFIRE SAFETY
SOAK IT, STIR IT, AND SOAK IT AGAIN
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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.
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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.
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Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.
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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.
OHV SAFETY
When operating equipment, 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 vegetation to ignite into a wildfire.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
FIRESMART
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site 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 to Reducing the Risk From Wildfire for additional information.
A look behind the scenes with Alberta Wildfire
On May 31st, the Town of Whitecourt hosted an Emergency Management training exercise. As part of this training exercise, Alberta Wildfire crews were also invited to participate. Interagency coordination and emergency response plans are tested through these simulations.
A structural protection task was assigned to this Helitack crew during the simulation. In this simulation, the crew helped protect homes in a nearby neighborhood. Their task was to find a source of water and set up hoses as if a wildfire were nearby.
Often, Alberta Wildfire crews will work together with other communities to be as prepared as possible for a wildfire emergency.
Through training exercises like this, AB wildfire staff can put their skills into practice and identify areas for improvement.
For more information, please contact:
Wildfire Information Officer
Randi-Marie Adams
(780) 706-5336
Email: randi.adams@gov.ab.ca
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: