Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 14, 2022

Posted on Thu, Jul 14, 2022

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

Please extinguish your campfire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.


WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH.


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(Fire Danger Levels for July 14th) 


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TRAINING

The Whitecourt Forest Area is always training! Last week wildfire staff were trained on lookout tower climbing and safety.

What is a Lookout Observer?  

Lookout observers are responsible for reporting wildfire activity within five minutes of detection. A Lookout Observer's first priority is to provide early detection and accurate reporting of potential forest fires. Lookouts provide continuous observation until fire control personnel arrive at the fire location. There are many active fire lookouts located throughout the province. 

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(Detection Aide getting fitted with a fall arrest harness) 


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CAMPIRE 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.


WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 37 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 38.26 ha. 

To view the wildfires on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. It provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 579 wildfires burning a total of 69,857.28 ha.


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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 information, please contact:
 
COLBY LACHANCE
Information Coordinator  
Phone: (780) 706-5336

Websites:

Social Media:

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Apps: