Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - October 20, 2022

Posted on Thu, Oct 20, 2022

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Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in forested or grassy areas and to report smoke or fire in the forest by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

Please extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended. Soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch. 


WHITECOURT FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING 

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area remains VERY HIGH. 


whitecourt smoke

WWF085 as of today (October 20, 2022).

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 85 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 124 hectares (ha). 

WWF085 was detected October 19, 2022 and is classified as out of control. The wildfire is located 13.6 km southeast of the Town of Whitecourt and is 9.7 ha in size. There are ten wildfire personnel and another eight firefighters are on route. 

There are currently two active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area with one classified as out of control and one classified as under control. To view these wildfire on a map click here.

If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473). 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1210 wildfires burning a total of 153,023 ha.


fire advisory wide

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area due to above seasonal temperatures and dry conditions. 

Under this advisory:
All active permits are suspended except burn barrels, and incinerators. No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve and the fire advisory is lifted. Some essential burning may be permitted at the discretion of a forest officer.

Prohibited:
Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.

Allowed:
Safe wood campfires *
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:
a)  be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
b)  have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
c)  have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire.  

Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas. Municipalities, parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. 


hunter_campfire_from_FBCampfire Safety

Cooking and warming fires are common this time of year. If you're having a warming fire during your hunt, please be familiar with building it and the proper extinguishment.

Use an existing fire receptacle if possible, otherwise, choose a location that's on level ground, sheltered from the wind and is on bare mineral soil. If you build your fire on peat or top soil, you risk creating a deep burning fire that could be challenging to extinguish. Keep it away from dry grass, leaves or branches and keep water close by. 

Before you leave, ensure you fully extinguished the fire, otherwise it could smoulder under ground for days or even weeks and re-surface when the conditions are right for a wildfire. Your fire isn't fully extinguished until ashes are cool to the touch.


REQUEST A FIRE PERMIT

Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire.

To request a free fire permit online, visit the new portal. You will need a MyAlberta Digital ID to access the portal. Please note that you can still request your permit from the Whitecourt forestry office by calling 780-778-7166.

For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.


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

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:
 
Provincial Information Officer 
Phone: (780) 420-1968

Websites:

Social Media:

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