WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The fire danger rating for the Whitecourt Forest Area is now HIGH.
As of 10:00 AM, Friday May 26, the fire ban and OHV restriction have been lifted in the Whitecourt Forest Area. A FIRE RESTRICTION is now in effect.
DETAILS OF FIRE RESTRICTION
A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect across much of the Forest Protection Area, including the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
- Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
- 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
Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.
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(2473).
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)
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 53 active wildfires in the province; 14 of them were classified out of control. To date the province has responded to 528 wildfires that have consumed more than 1,058,000 hectares (ha) of land.
Eagle Complex WCX-001 (WWF-023, GPF-027)
WWF-023 detected on May 5, is listed as out of control at 73,479 ha. As temperatures rise firefighters expect to see more smokes originating inside the wildfire perimeter. These will be actioned by crews with bucketing helicopters in support.
there are a number of danger trees along the perimeter. Crews are identifying these trees and are falling them to reduce hazards and extinguishing any found to be burning from the inside.
There are more than 140 firefighters and support personnel allocated to this fire. Partners assisting Alberta on the complex include firefighters from Colorado, New Brunswick and soldiers from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.
There are currently 13 helicopters and 10 heavy equipment groups assigned to the Eagle complex.
Evacuees have returned to Fox Creek and Little Smoky. Wildland Urban Interface Fire Structure Protection crews have left Fox Creek now now that the threat to the community from wildfires has been reduced. Sprinklers have been left in place as a precaution. The Fox Creek fire department has returned to normal duties but remains ready to assist should circumstances again warrant their participation.
GWF-027 was detected on May 13 and is out of control at 55,344 ha. Today, crews continue to work on hotspots around the perimeter, utilizing helicopter buckets as needed.
OTHER AREA ACTIVE WILDFIRES
WWF015 is still Under Control, estimated size 47.00ha. There is one crew patrolling the wildfire.
WWF031 is still active. It was detected on May 22 and is currently Under Control, with an estimated size of 0.03ha. Cause was lightning. One HAC crew is working the wildfire.
*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.
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 34 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 73,612 ha.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires and their stats on the 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.
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
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:
