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.
To report smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).
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 1,158 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) that have burned 708,118 hectares. There are currently 60 active wildfires in the FPA. Of these wildfires, 17 are being held and 43 are under control.
For the most up-to-date wildfire information, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
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
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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Are you interested in a career in wildfire? Come out and talk to Alberta Wildfire staff at the 2024 Career Expo at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre on Thursday, September 26 from 9:30am-4:00pm.
FIRESMART
An estimated 90 percent of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. Download the FireSmart Yard Fact Sheet for practical and simple actions you can take on your property to reduce the risk of a wildfire reaching your home.
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:
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
Social media:
Apps: