Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is LOW.

Fire can still ignite but is not expected to spread to deeper vegetation layers or larger fuels, such as trees.

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

The Fire Advisory 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 UPDATE

Since January 1st, 2024, there have been 24 wildfires in the Whitecourt forest area burning a total of 19 hectares (ha).

There are currently NO active wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

WWF023- was first detected on May 17 along highway 658. The wildfire was located 28 km west of Fort Assiniboine and burned 0.02 ha of land. This wildfire was quickly EXTINGUISHED and is currently under investigation.

WWF024 - Was first detected in May 18 along the Athabasca River bend near Fort Assiniboine. The wildfire burned 0.02 ha of land behind the Fort Assiniboine arena. This wildfire was quickly EXTINGUISHED and is currently under investigation.

LOCATIONS: To view this wildfire on our interactive map, click here and follow the active wildfire link.

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

Have a safe and enjoyable May long weekend!

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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.

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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

Big Red Chopper

The helicopter in this picture is an Airbus Helicopter H225. Helicopters like this were developed for long-range passenger transportation. The aircraft has twin engines and can carry up to 24 passengers. The heavy lift helicopters will be hired by Alberta Wildfire on a casual contract for suppression activities. This machine was hired for the MWF-017 wildfire in Fort McMurry.

For more information, please contact:

Wildfire Information Officer

Randi-Marie Adams

(780) 706-5336

Email: randi.adams@gov.ab.ca

WildfireFlash