Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 31, 2024 Update (6:30 p.m.)

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.

WTO-001- This wildfire was first detected at 2:24 PM on Friday May 31st.

This fire is currently located within the boundary lines for the town of Whitecourt.

The wildfire is burning 2.7 KM east of town and currently pushing away from the community.

The wildfire has burned and estimated 7.2 hectares.

https://www.whitecourt.ca/your-town/news-events/news/post/wildfire-east-of-hilltop-east-industrial-park-under-control

Alberta Wildfire is assisting the Whitecourt Fire Department in this mutual aid response and will continue to do so this evening. It is unlikely any further assistance will be needed after today, but, AB wildfire will supply resources if needed.

This fire is currently under investigation with the Town Of Whitecourt.

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

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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