Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is LOW.

WHITECOURT WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently no active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. If you do see smoke or flames in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).

Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 to 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 your free fire permit, contact the local forest area at 780-778-7166.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE*

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 121 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 53 hectares.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 1,299 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 52,954 hectares.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

*As of 10 am, October 25, 2021 (provincial reports are now issued weekly unless conditions warrant a daily update)

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CAMPFIRE SAFETY

We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended.

Soak it, stir it, soak it again.

Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.
Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam. Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smoulder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.
Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.
If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

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OHV SAFETY

You can reduce the risk of your off-highway vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps:

Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
Wash your quad, trike or bike and keep it clean; do not wash in streams and creeks.
Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it’s out.