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.

Have a safe May long weekend! 

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area remains LOW. 

MAY LONG WEEKEND MESSAGE 

When enjoying the outdoors this long weekend – remember to do your part to prevent wildfires. Campfires account for the highest percentage of human caused wildfires. Human caused wildfires are 100% preventable. 

• One of our busiest days last year was during the May long weekend - we responded to 38 wildfires in 24 hours. They were all human-caused! Help prevent wildfires this weekend by properly extinguishing your campfire: soak it, stir it and soak it again. 
• Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during long weekends. Last year 67 per cent of wildfires were human-caused. We all have a role to play in preventing them.

Have a safe and enjoyable May long 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.

HEAVY-DUTY EQUIPMENT

When operating heavy-duty machines be aware of your surroundings and watch for sparks, hot exhaust and friction that could start a wildfire. If you're using machinery in dry conditions you should consider the following:

• a nearby water source, fire extinguisher, and other firefighting equipment
• watch for gusting winds
• clear debris from moving parts
• check your muffler or other hot spots
• avoid operating equipment in tall grass 

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 13 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 20.73 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.