Humid Conditions Reduce the Wildfire Hazard

Wildfire Hazard

The wildfire hazard is MODERATE for the Whitecourt Forest Area. There is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect for today. Thunderstorms can produce heavy rain and/or hail. Passing storms can producing lighting, igniting a wildfire.

Firefighters need your help reporting and preventing wildfires - if you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

TIPS WHEN HAVING A CAMPFIRE...

Select your site - use a designated stove, ring or fire pit if possible. Use sites clear of dry grass, bushes, leave branches and other flammable vegetation.

Prepare your campfire - have the right tools including a shovel, axe and enough water to fully extinguish your campfire.

Extinguish your campfire - soak it, stir it, soak it again. When its out, you will not be able to feel any heat or see smoke.

Learn more here.

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (OHV) CAN START WILDFIRES

Grasses, branches and mud can build-up on your OHV, ignite, fall from your machine and start a wildfire. Prevent wildfires by keeping your machine debris free.

LOCAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Currently, there are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since April 1 2016, there have been 33 wildfires in the Area, burning a total of 670.89 hectares.

For information on the wildfire situation in the province of Alberta, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.

FIRE PERMITS

Help firefighters by getting a fire permit. Avoid a false alarm and make sure firefighters are where they are needed - not in your backyard.

A fire permit is required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area. If you are in the Whitecourt Forest Area, get the permit process started today by calling: 780-778-7272.

Tip: Check the weather forecast before you burn, do not burn if the wind speed is over 15 kilometres per hour. Learn more about how to prepare a burn site.

ALBERTA FIRE BANS

For information on current advisories, restrictions and fire bans in the province, visit the Alberta Fire Ban website at: beta.albertafirebans.ca and/or check local municipal websites for updates.

Unless conditions change, your next email update will be on July 28, 2016.

For more frequent updates, check the Alberta Wildfire App for mobile And roi d or A pp le products. You can also bookmark the Whitecourt Wildfire Update and subscribe to have it emailed to you.

Whitecourt Area Update