Whitecourt Area Update

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. 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 839 wildfires burning a total of 107,578 ha.

(Exported Whitecourt crews using ignition to reduce fuel in BC).  

ORIGINAL JOE'S H.E.A.R.T CART

Thank you to the Whitecourt Original Joe's team for supplying the Whitecourt Forest Area with lunch today! We appreciated you! 

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.

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. Doors: All doors into your home should be fire rated and have a good seal. This is true for your garage doors as well as your entry doors. 

2. Ground to siding clearance: Siding is vulnerable when it ignites and when flames or embers get into the cavity behind the siding. With inadequate ground-to-siding clearance, accumulated embers can ignite combustible siding directly. 15 centimeters of ground-to-siding non-combustible clearance is recommended.

3. Decks: Embers and sparks can collect under these spaces. Enclose these areas. Sheath in the base of the decks, balconies and houses with fire resistant material to reduce the risk of sparks and embers igniting your home.  

4. Other: Attachments to your home include: 

Fence Lines

Fence Lines/boardwalks create a direct path from the fire to your home. Separating your house from a wooden fence with a metal gate can slow the advance of fire. Remember to cut the grass along your fence line as long dry grass easily ignites. 

Sheds/Out Buildings 

If these are within 10 meters of your home, give these the same FireSmart consideration as you do your home.  

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.ca, click here to watch a video or you can take the FireSmart Canada FREE one-hour course by clicking here. 

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.

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. 

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

Social Media:

Join the conversation on

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.