Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - April 19, 2021

Posted on Mon, Apr 19, 2021

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

Cooler temperatures and precipitation have brought the wildfire danger to LOW in the Whitecourt Forest Area.

There is currently one active wildfire in the area, which has been turned over to the responsible party. Since March 1, 2021, there have been nine wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 1.93 hectares.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca


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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 780-778-7166


For more information, please contact:

Provincial Information Officer
780-420-1968
wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

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