Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - August 15, 2022

Posted on Mon, Aug 15, 2022

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Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in forested or grassy areas and to report smoke or fire in the forest by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Please extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended. Soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.


WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING 

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area remains HIGH.


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(Exported Whitecourt crews working on a BC hillside)


WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 49 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 110 ha.  

WWF047 was detected August 14 and is classified as under control. The fire is 0.30 ha in size. There is one firetack crew and one helicopter allocated to the wildfire. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation and does not threaten any communities at this time. 

WWF049 was detected August 15 and is classified as under control. The fire is 0.10 ha in size. There is one helitack crew working on the fire and bucketing operations have ended. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation and does not threaten any communities at this time. 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 822 wildfires burning a total of 107,519 ha.


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 smoulder 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.


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FIRESMART

Preparing your home and yard as recommended can help your home survive a wildfire. Here are three practices you can do to get started:

1. Roof material: A class A fire-rated roof assembly offers the best protection. Metal, asphalt, clay and composite rubber tiles are all options. Every inside corner of your roof is a place where debris and embers can collect. Regularly clean your roof of combustible materials. 

2. Chimney: A spark arrestor on your chimney will reduce the chance of sparks and embers from escaping and starting fires. 

3. Gutters: Regularly remove debris from your gutters as sparks and embers can easily ignite these dry materials. Consider screening your gutters with metal mesh to reduce debris accumulation. 

Being FireSmart doesn't have to be complicated and there are many resources to help you get started. You can check out some easy tasks by visiting firesmartcanada.caclick here to watch a video or you can take the FireSmart Canada FREE one-hour course by clicking here. 


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REQUEST A FIRE PERMIT

Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire.

To request a free fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Fort McMurray forest office by calling 780-743-7125.

For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.


2022 OHV Can cause wildfires Dirt Bike

WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. 

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination. 


RELATED INFORMATION
 
Fire Permits

780-778-7166

General Information Related to Alberta Wildfire or Fire Bans, Restrictions, or Advisories

1-866-FYI-FIRE

General/Other Forestry Related Questions

780-778-7153

 
For more wildfire information please contact:
 
COLBY LACHANCE
Information Coordinator  
Phone: (780) 706-5336

Websites:

Social Media:

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