Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - August 16, 2022

Posted on Tue, Aug 16, 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.


WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 50 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. 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 extinguished. The fire is 0.10 ha in size. The cause of this wildfire is lightning and does not threaten any communities. 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 832 wildfires burning a total of 107,570 ha.


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(Exported Whitecourt crews assisting BC wildland firefighters).  


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. Eaves and vents: While vents play an important role in removing moisture from attics they create an opening for sparks and embers. Install non-combustible material for all vents. Open eaves also create a surface for embers and direct heat. Properly fitted soffits and fascia help to reduce the risk of embers and heat reaching the rafters of your home.   

2. Siding: Stucco, metal siding, brick/concrete and fibre cement siding offers superior fire resistance. Logs and heavy timbers are still reasonably effective. Untreated wood and vinyl siding offer very little protection against wildfire. 

3. Windows: Tempered, thermal (double paned) windows are recommended. Single pane windows provide little resistance to heat from an advancing wildfire. 

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.


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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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