Whitecourt Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH. 

Wildfires can still start in cooler weather, especially in dry and windy conditions. Always use caution in forested areas. 

A FIRE ADVISORY remains in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area.

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area, north of Swan Hills.

For a map of the restriction boundary, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT 

Under this advisory:

• New permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis, only for essential burning.
• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.

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, 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.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

FIRE RESTRICTION STILL IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in place for the the area north of Swan Hills in the Whitecourt Forest area.

Under this advisory:

• Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
• Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.

Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:

• All outdoor wood fires.
• Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
• The use of fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:

• Safe wood campfires.
• Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
• Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

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

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

To view restriction boundaries, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

Fire Restriction Map

Fire Restriction Fact Sheet

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

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

EVACUATION PREPARDNESS 

Are you prepared in case of an evacuation? In the event of an evacuation, individuals and families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours. Find out what you need to do this wildfire season to be prepared. Click here for more information. 

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.

 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:

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