Whitecourt Area Update

Be advised that a fire advisory remains in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area.

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 is now VERY HIGH.

Be advised that a fire advisory remains in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area due to increasing fire danger and the forecasted weather.

Under this fire advisory all active permits are suspended except burn barrels, and incinerators. No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve and the fire advisory is lifted. Some essential burning may be permitted at the discretion of a forest officer.

The public and residents in the Whitecourt Forest Area can continue to use a fire pit, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire and recreational off-highway vehicles.

Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 40 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 109 ha. 

Wildfire WWF-038 was detected on July 16 and is located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Fox Creek. It is currently estimated to be 70.73 ha in size and is now classified as being held. 

There are currently two helicopters, four pieces of heavy equipment and 24 wildfire firefighters assigned to the incident.

The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation and does not threaten any community at this time.

To learn more about the classification of wildfires, please click here. 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.

Wildfire WWF-038 is now classified as being held and located 35 km northeast of Fox Creek (July 18, 2022).

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 645 wildfires burning a total of 76,068 ha.

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  

Using FireSmart principles is becoming a way of life for many communities in North America. With so many neighborhoods threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes, cabins and properties.

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.