Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in forested 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 LOW.
WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023, there have been no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Wildfires occasionally happen during the winter. You should be aware of your surroundings and ensure you always have sufficient firefighting equipment in case your fire escapes.
To view wildfires active across Alberta click here.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been seven wildfires.
WILDFIRE SEASON BEGINS MARCH 1
During wildfire season, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape.
If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.
Fire permits are free and now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request yours. You’ll need a MyAlberta Digital ID to request a permit, so be sure to sign-up online at account.alberta.ca/signup first. Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local forest area office. The Whitecourt Forest Area can be reached by calling 780-778-7166.
Nearly all spring wildfires are started by humans. Last year, more than 60 per cent of all wildfires in the province were human caused. We all need to do our part in reducing the number of these entirely preventable wildfires. Whether it’s an abandoned campfire, OHV exhaust, or agricultural burning, everyone can help reduce the risk.
WINTER BURNING
Refrain from burning when an inversion is in place or is forecasted.
Consult your local municipality on how to safely undertake larger winter burning projects near communities or roads.
Burn debris in stages so that you can adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce smoke.
Don’t burn until you have good snow cover in the area (more than 15 cm).
In the spring, check your fall and winter burns to make sure they are extinguished. Soak the ashes with water, stir them and soak them again. Make sure all burn piles are fully extinguished prior to March 1. Burn sites can smoulder underground and resurface in the spring as a wildfire.To assist the Whitecourt Forest Area, please let us know if you plan any large scale winter burning by contacting the the forestry office at (780) 778-7166.
SMOKE INVERSIONS
Before you burn check the weather forecast. When burning during an inversion, smoke can be trapped close to the ground overnight reducing visibility and causing dangerous driving conditions and can affects those with smoke related health concerns.
An inversion happens when cold air is trapped near the ground by warmer air. The cool air near the earth surface cannot escape upwards and this creates a layer in which smoke from winter burning is trapped along the ground surface as it cannot mix out and rise.
Plan your burn when inversions are unlikely to occur and check the forecast before you burn.
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.
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
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
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