Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH. When a fire danger level is high, it means forest fuels are dry and fire risk is serious and Conditions may be challenging for fire suppression efforts.

Please be advised that strong winds of 30-35 KM an hour with gusts up to 55 KM an hour are expected throughout the day.

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 UPDATE

Since January 1st, 2024, there have been 25 wildfires in the Whitecourt forest area burning a total of 19 hectares (ha).

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

WWF-025 - located 11 km SW of the town of Blue Ridge has been labelled as Extinguished. The wildfire was first detected on May 29th, 2024 at 10:30 pm. The wildfire burned a total of 0.02 hectares of land. Alberta Wildfire crews along with the Blue Ridge Fire department worked together to quickly extinguish the fire. This wildfire is currently under investigation.

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

Whitecourt Forest Area Training exercise

Alberta Wildfire crews are planning a mock wildfire exercise today, May 31st. This mock event will involve igniting a brush pile in a safe location.

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.

Safe campfire

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.

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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.

farm mowing

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

bird dog

The Conair "bird dog" are aircraft with a pilot and an air attack officer on board. The bird dogs ensure the runs to be made by airtankers are safe and free of obstructions. A bird dog crew determines run locations and drop types, coordinates aerial actions with ground crews if present, and controls airspace around fires. These aircraft are always used in conjunction with the airtankers.

For more information, please contact:

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