Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 13, 2022

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).

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area remains MODERATE.

(WWF009 was detected May 12th and is currently classified as UNDER CONTROL) 

WWF009 was detected May 12, 2022 and is estimated to be 18.4 ha in size. The wildfire is currently under control and is approximately 35 kilometers south of Swan Hills and 16 kilometers north west of Goose Lake. There are currently 17 firefighters fighting this wildfire. 

To view the wildfire on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. There are no threats to any community at this time.

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.

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended.

Soak it, stir it, soak it again.

• Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, add water 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 12 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 20.69 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:

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.