Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

Forest fuels are drying out and the fire risk can be serious. If a wildfire does occur, creeping or gentle surface fire is likely.

If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 60 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 1,139 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) that have burned 707,101 hectares. There are currently 73 active wildfires in the FPA. Of these wildfires, 27 are being held and 46 are under control.

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

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WILDFIRE FARMING PREVENTION

Now that fall is quickly approaching, we ask farm and acreage owners to start thinking about FireSmart options for their property. Here are some tips to get you started:

For any extra structures on your property like barns or sheds, you can apply any of these vegetation management strategies to reduce the threat of wildfire:

Manage vegetation in old corrals and unused corners of your yard. Mowing, grazing, weed-eating, treating with herbicide or gravelling are all ways you can manage this vegetation.
Manage vegetation around dugouts and other water sources as well. This reduces the fire hazard and helps provide ready access for firefighters and their equipment.
Manage the vegetation around fence posts as long grass around these areas can lead the fire straight to your property.

It's never too late to participate. Learn how you can FireSmart your home and property! Visit FireSmart Alberta. For farm or acreages, you can download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.

Fire Permit Online

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.

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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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