Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - September 1, 2022

Written by Alberta Wildfire | Sep 1, 2022 7:31:50 PM

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 FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022, there have been 67 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 112 ha. 

NEW WILDFIRE DETECTIONS

WWF060 was detected on August 30 and is classified as extinguished. The wildfire is approximately 60km southwest of Fox Creek and is 0.26 ha in size. The cause of this wildfire was lightning. 

WWF061 was detected August 31 and is classified as under control. The wildfire is approximately 27km northwest of Whitecourt and is 0.01 ha in size. 

WWF062 was detected August 31 and is classified as extinguished. The wildfire is approximately is 34km southwest of Fox Creek and is 0.01 ha in size.  

WWF063 was detected August 31 and is classified as extinguished. The wildfire is approximately 30km northwest of Whitecourt and is 0.01 ha in size. 

WWF064 was detected September 1 and is classified as under control. The wildfire is approximately 20 km northeast of Whitecourt and is 0.05 ha in size. There is one wildfire crew and one helicopter actioning the fire.   

WWF065 was detected September 1 and is classified as extinguished. The wildfire is approximately 28 km southeast of Swan Hills and is 0.01 ha in size. There is one wildfire crew and one helicopter actioning this fire. 

Crews will work to fully extinguish these wildfires and there are no threats to any communities at this time. 

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1033 wildfires burning a total of 141, 308 ha. 

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR THE WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions a fire advisory is now in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. 
 
Under the fire 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:
• Without a valid fire permit, any burning 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; and
d) 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.

LONG WEEKEND MESSAGE 

While it may feel like summer is coming to an end, wildfire season doesn’t officially end until October 31. Wildfires can start anytime of year if the conditions are right. Please use caution in the forested areas if you are out this long weekend. We have been experiencing hot, dry conditions in the area. This means that wildfires can start easily and spread quickly.

Here are a few tips that will help ensure a safe long weekend: 

  • If you are enjoying a campfire, remember to fully extinguish it by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again until they are cool to the touch.
  • If you plan on using an OHV in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, remember to stop often and check hot spots. Debris heated by the exhaust system can inadvertently start a wildfire when it falls to the ground. 
  • Remember to visit www.albertafirebans.ca before heading out to find the latest information about fire bans across the province.
  • If you're working in the forest protection area of Alberta, ensure you carry sufficient firefighting equipment as per the Forest Prairie and Protection Act.

Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during long weekends so do your part and prevent wildfires. 

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

SOAK IT, STIR IT, AND 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.

FIRESMART 

A FireSmart yard includes making smart choices for your landscape. We suggest pruning trees two metres from the ground to eliminate fuel in the event of a wildfire on your property. 

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 Fort McMurray forest office by calling 780-743-7125.

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
wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca 

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