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 no wildfires.
WINTER BURNING
While wildfire season officially ends October 31 and a fire permit is no longer required for burning inside the Forest Protection Area, it’s important to keep safe winter burning practices top of mind.
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).
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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