Whitecourt Area Update

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 campfires by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area remains VERY HIGH. 

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT 

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. 

Under this advisory: 

Due to the recent increase in local fire danger and the forecast weather, a fire advisory has been put into place. 

Existing fire permits are suspended excluding those for burn barrels, incinerators and fire extinguisher training. 

No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve and the advisory is lifted. Essential burning activity may be permitted at the discretion of a forest officer. 

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited. 

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires*

Backyard fire pits

Portable propane fire pits 

Gas or propane stoves and barbecues

Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;

c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and 

d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements. 

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

WHITECOURT EVENTS 

Alberta Wildfire will be educating the public about wildfire prevention and FireSmart practices at the Blueridge Community Hall on June 4th from 10am-4pm. Come on down and say hi!

Bertie Beaver would like to thank everyone who came to say hi to Alberta Wildfire at the Whitecourt Trade Show this past weekend!

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE SAFETY 

• Exhaust systems heat up to temperatures in excess of 204 degrees Celsius; hot enough to fry an egg and start a wildfire.
• At these temperatures, built up materials and debris on your machine (such as grass, muskeg, moss, or other debris) can heat up, smoulder and ignite.
• The smouldering debris can drop to the ground as you’re riding, starting a wildfire.
• Regularly check your OHV hot spots which include: muffler, engine and manifold, wheel well, and seat. 

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 31 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 23.52 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.

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.