Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

The fire danger is HIGH. This means that if a wildfire were to occur it would exhibit moderate to vigorous surface fire, which may spread to treetops. Conditions may be challenging for fire suppression efforts. Forest fuels are dry and fire risk is serious.

Some areas of the forest area will experience gusty winds from the west-northwest at approximately 19 km/h gusting to 29 km/h. If the wind is gusting over 15 km/h or increases beyond the limit on your fire permit, immediately extinguish your fire.

To report smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).

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Predicted fire danger map for September 18, 2024. While the map does show very high there are many other factors that we take into consideration when deciding the actual fire danger rating for the day. These include firefighting resources, aircraft support, weather and wind, etc.

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 61 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 30 hectares (ha). At this time, there are no active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, there have been 1,157 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) that have burned 708,117 hectares. There are currently 61 active wildfires in the FPA. Of these wildfires, 18 are being held and 43 are under control.

For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

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HUNTING SEASON HAS BEGUN

As temperatures drop and more people venture into the forest on hunting trips you may want to start a warming or cooking fire. We hope that you keep campfire safety tips at the top of your mind while you enjoy the outdoors.

In the backcountry or where there is no dedicated fire ring you can make a safe campfire by:

making a circle about one metre around
digging or scraping down to the mineral soil
clearing away any flammable materials within one metre of the pit

When extinguishing campfires always remember to:

Soak it. Stir it. 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 smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire at a later time when conditions are right.
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.

Safe campfires: Wildfire prevention tips

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WILDFIRE FARMING PREVENTION

It would surprise those not familiar with farming practices to learn that wet hay bales are more of a fire risk than dry hay bales. When baled at too high of a moisture level, hay bales are at risk of spontaneous combustion. This occurs when the hay metabolizes or burns the sugars in the plant, heating the tightly packed core. Once the internal temperature of the hay bale reaches roughly 80°C, the heat, fuel, and pressure on the bale can cause it to combust and burn.

We can reduce the risk of bale combustion wildfires by:

Ensuring crop moisture content levels are low when baling
Storing bales in a dry location away from nearby structures

Performing routine temperature checks on bales
Routinely checking for a musty-sweet fermenting smell from the bales

If a bale begins to rise in temperature:

Pull the bale apart and wet the hay
Spread the hay away from other flammable items and buildings

In the event of a bale fire:

Keep your distance
Use firefighting equipment if it is safe to do so
Call emergency services (310-FIRE if the fire is in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 911 for any wildfires outside the Forest Protection Area).

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GET YOUR FREE FIRE PERMIT

Until October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.

Fire permits ensure safe burning practices and allow staff to know where burning is approved so firefighters and aircraft are free to fight wildfires. Your municipality may have its own rules and restrictions in place. Contact them for further details.

Safe burning practices include:

Never leaving your fire unattended.
Only burn what you can control and follow the conditions of your permit.
Have your fire permit ready to present if requested.
Watch for sparks and burning material that may result in smaller fires.
Larger fires can send these sparks over several kilometres, especially when burning in the wind.
If the wind is gusting over 15 km/h or increases beyond the limit on your permit, immediately extinguish your fire.
Have the tools and equipment listed in your permit available to put out any spot fires that may occur.

To get your free fire permit you can phone your local forestry office in Whitecourt at 780-778-7153 or by going online and applying at www.alberta.ca.

2024 Public Expo Poster

UPCOMING EVENTS

Are you interested in a career with Alberta Wildfire? Come talk with us on September 26 and see all of the seasonal positions that will be available for the 2025 wildfire season.

LOCAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Subscribe to Whitecourt Forest Area updates to receive an email notification when new information is posted.

Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices. Once you open the app, click the "i" icon at the bottom left to view the latest forest area updates.

For more information, please contact:

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