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 MODERATE. 

WHITECOURT EVENTS 

Alberta Wildfire will be educating the public about wildfire prevention and FireSmart tactics. We will be helping to book residents in for FREE home assessments with the local Fire Department. Is your home safe in the event of a wildfire? 

The Whitecourt Tradeshow will be located at the Scott Safety Centre and Curling Rink.  

Hours for the weekend: 

Friday 4pm-9pm

Saturday 10am-5pm

Sunday 11am-4pm

FIREWORKS 

Written permission is required year-round. Those seeking written permission to shoot, discharge, detonate or ignite fireworks within the Forest Protection Area may apply for written permission from a Forest Officer at your local forest area office or by calling 780-778-7166 for the Whitecourt permit line. 

A fire advisory, restriction, ban or area closure may prohibit or limit the use of fireworks within the FPA during high fire danger situations. Check albertafirebans.ca for the latest information.

Fireworks approval will be determined based on current and expected wildfire danger and handled on a case-by-case basis.  

(Alberta's Forest Protection Area highlighted in pink) 

(Hot debris like the one pictured above can fall off your OHV and start a wildfire)

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 28 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 22.36 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.