Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update May 25, 2023 (11:00 A.M.)

Posted on Thu, May 25, 2023

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The fire danger rating for the Whitecourt Forest Area has been adjusted to MODERATE.

Recent rainfall over the Eagle complex has reduced the fire danger in the area and people are returning to their homes in Fox Creek.

As residents settle back into their community we ask that everyone exercise caution on the landscape should they venture in or near areas where wildfire has burned over forested areas. The trees affected by wildfire can have compromised root systems that make them prone to falling over – especially in windy conditions.

Please stay away from these areas until the areas have been assessed and officials are able to  mitigate the danger in areas of high public usage.

Warm weather and winds can quickly dry the fine fuels raising the danger levels.  If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE(3473). 

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People are asked to stay clear of burned over areas as compromised root systems has significantly increased the risk of falling trees. 

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY INFORMATION 

We urge everyone in this area to monitor Alberta Emergency Alert. The municipalities will instruct the public regarding evacuation alerts or orders. To learn more, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx

You can also monitor your community/municipal Facebook pages for updates. 

SMOKY CONDITIONS
 
Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta, smoky conditions will persist in communities and along highways. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link.
 
Before travelling, check 511.Alberta.ca for the latest road conditions or closures. Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES! 

The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. (*Transport Canada)

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A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information or to visit alberta.ca/emergency.aspx.


ACTIVE WILDFIRES 

Provincial overview:

As of 10:00 a.m. today there were 56 active wildfires in the province; 16 of them were classified out of control. To date the province has responded to 522 wildfires that have consumed more than 1,032,000 hectares (ha) of land.


Eagle Complex WCX-001 (WWF-023, GPF-027)

map 25 may 23

All new information will be bolded.

WWF-023 detected on May 5, is listed as out of control at 73,479 ha. Firefighters saw no further growth towards Fox Creek today. 

Crews continued working in from the perimeter along the fire guard along the Iosegun Lake road. Along the excursion south of Highway 43 firefighters built more hose line along the wildfire and heavy equipment groups are establishing more fire breaks along that same line. 

There are more than 150 firefighters and support personnel allocated to this fire along with a structural protection unit and the Fox Creek Fire Department. Partners assisting Alberta on the complex include firefighters from Colorado, New Brunswick and soldiers from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.

Weather has improved over the complex today and helicopters are able to fly in support of firefighters on the ground. There are currently 15 helicopters assigned to the Eagle complex. 

Additionally, three structural groups from municipalities in the Alberta Wildland Urban Interface Fire Structure Protection Program have been working together on structural protection for the community.

Weather Today, Weather during the overnight period from Wednesday night to Thursday morning will be adverse to fire spread and favourable for low fire behaviour. There will be good overnight recovery of the relative humidity and cool temperatures. 

GWF-027 was detected on May 13 and is out of control at 55,344 ha. Two dozer groups and crews worked the southern edge of the wildfire today.


OTHER AREA ACTIVE WILDFIRES 

WWF015 is still Under Control, estimated size 47.00ha. There is one medium helicopter and 17 people (two firetack crews + 1 crew supervisor) working on the fire today (May 24).

WWF021 is still Under Control, estimated size 0.02ha. There is one medium helicopter and an 8-person helitack crew working on the fire today (May 24).

WWF031 is also still active. It was detected on May 22 and is currently Under Control, with an estimated size of 0.03ha. Cause was lightning.

*Extinguished fires are not reported on this page. Refer to the Alberta Status Dashboard for information about these fires.


AREA ADJACENT WILDFIRES 

Deep Creek Complex (WCU001, WCU002, EWF035)

EWF035, WCU001 & WCU002 are part of the Deep Creek Complex. For wildfire updates on this group of wildfires, please visit https://srd.web.alberta.ca/edson-area-update.

  • For updates from Parkland County and evacuation information, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ParklandCountyAB. Residents in the affected areas can contact the Emergency Information Line at 1-780-968-8888.
  • For updates from Yellowhead County and evacuation information, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yellowheadcounty Residents in the affected areas can contact the Yellowhead County Emergency Information Line at 1-833-334-4630.

Grizzly Complex (SWF057, SWF063, SWF064)

For wildfire updates on this group of wildfires, please visit https://srd.web.alberta.ca/slave-lake-area-update. 

The above wildfires remain under investigation. To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here


Volunteer Information

Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province, please contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.

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OHV Restriction banner

FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION NOW IN EFFECT

A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area due to extreme fire danger.

Under this fire ban:

  • All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
  • No new Fire Permits will be issued

Prohibited:

  • All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
  • Backyard firepits
  • BBQ charcoal briquettes
  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets
  • The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

  • Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
  • Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
  • Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
  • All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
  • Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes
  • Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs
  • Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Find wildfire forecasts, weather maps and information about how fire danger is monitored in Alberta please visit: alberta.ca/fire-weather-and-forecasts.aspx

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


WHITECOURT FOREST AREA UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 30 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 87,949 ha.

Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the wildfire dashboard

Wildfire Dashboard

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. 


RELATED INFORMATION
 
Fire Permits

780-778-7166 if this line is unavailable please call 780-778-7153

General Information Related to Alberta Wildfire or Fire Bans, Restrictions, or Advisories

1-866-FYI-FIRE

General/Other Forestry Related Questions

780-778-7153

For more wildfire information please contact:
 
Rebecca Isbister
Wildfire Information Officer | Whitecourt Forest Area
Cell:  780-706-5336
rebecca.isbister@gov.ab.ca

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