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 HIGH.
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.
WHITECOURT FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 83 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 114 hectares (ha).
There are currently no active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area but 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 1150 wildfires burning a total of 150,887 ha.
OHV SAFETY
Help Reduce the Risk
You can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps:
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Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
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After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
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Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
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Wash your quad, trike or bike and keep it clean; do not wash in streams and creeks.
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Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
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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.
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 780-778-7272.
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.
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
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:
