WHITECOURT FOREST AREA
The wildfire danger rating for the Whitecourt Forest Area is MODERATE.
There is currently two active wildfire in the area, which have been turned over to the responsible parties. Since March 1, 2021, there has been seven wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 1.38 ha.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
There are currently nine wildfires in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. Four of these wildfires are under control and five have been turned over to the responsible parties. Since March 1 there have been 48 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 36.90 ha. The five-year average for this time period is 47 wildfires burning 94.05 hectares.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
DOWNLOAD THE NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP
Download the Alberta Wildfire App to access provincial wildfire status maps and updates on your mobile device.
WILDFIRE SEASON STARTED MARCH 1
As of March 1, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard. Fire permits are free and can be requested from the Whitecourt Forestry Office.
Remember to revisit any winter burn piles to ensure they are out. If they are still active please contact your local Agriculture and Forestry office.
When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.
Last wildfire season, 704 wildfires burned 3,269 hectares. The five-year average in Alberta is 1,346 wildfires burning 393,134 hectares. Last year 88 per cent of wildfires were human-caused, meaning they are preventable.
To request a permit please call 780-778-7166For more information, please contact:
Provincial Information Officer
780-420-1968
wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
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
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