WILDFIRE HAZARD UPDATE
The wildfire hazard is MODERATE for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be on July 30, 2017.
SMOKE IN THE AIR
Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia is drifting into the Whitecourt Forest Area. To see the latest smoke forecast, go to www.firesmoke.ca
If you have health concerns related to smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
Learn more about Alberta's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).
WILDFIRE UPDATE 10:00 a.m., July 28, 2017
There are no wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Since the start of the 2017 wildfire season, there have been 24 wildfires that have burned 11.66 hectares in the Forest Area.
There are currently 12 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One wildfires is classified as out of control, four are being held, five are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party.
Since March 1, 2017, Alberta has recorded 835 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 3,919.16 hectares. For information visit the provincial wildfire status map.
To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE (3473).
HANDY TIPS WHEN HAVING A CAMPFIRE
Before you leave to go camping, check albertafirebans.ca for information about fire restrictions or bans. Once you find out that you can have a campfire, here are some tips to make it a safe experience:
- 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. Using your bare hand, feel for heat coming from the ashes, it should be cool to the touch.
Leaving a campfire unattended will result in a fine of $287 under the Forest Prairie and Protection Act. If an individual does not properly extinguish a fire and it starts a wildfire they can be charged up to $100,000 or face imprisonment for up to two years. Read more here.
Learn more about the changes made to the Forest Prairie and Protection Act by visiting fppa.alberta.ca.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS FOR USING AN OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE
- Remove debris - keep your machine debris free by checking it before, during and after a ride.
- Strategic parking - park your OHV on bare mineral soil if possible, do not park it in areas of dead, dry grass.
- Exit and check - when possible, drive out on the path you drove in on. This will help you check for fires that may have started.
Read more here.
FIRE PERMITS
A free fire permit is required for all burning (except for campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. To get started call:
- Whitecourt patrolman at 780-778-1590 or
- Whitecourt Fire Centre at 780-778-7272
A fine of $287 now exists for failure to produce a fire permit when requested by a forest officer, read more here or visit fppa.alberta.ca.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be on July 30, 2017.
Wildfire Information Officer
phone: 780.420.1968
Email: Melissa.Crawford@gov.ab.ca
wildfire.alberta.ca albertafirebans.ca emergencyalert.alberta.ca