Whitecourt Area Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH.

FIRE ADVISORY

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to a lack of significant precipitation.

This advisory is in effect for the forest protection area within the Whitecourt Forest Area and does not include lands within the town boundary of Whitecourt, Fox Creek and Swan Hills. 

Under this advisory:

• Fire permits are suspended, excluding permits for burn barrels;
• No new permits will be issued until conditions change;

 Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire;

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.

HAZARD REDUCTION BURN

A hazard reduction burn is currently planned for April 30, 2021 near the hamlet of Blue Ridge. This burn will be approximately 10.7 hectares in size and is located west of Blue Ridge Lumber mill site. The goal is to remove dry grass and reduce the risk of wildfire.

In preparation for this hazard reduction burn, municipal and provincial firefighters have planned extensively to ensure public safety. Firefighters will manage and monitor this burn until it’s fully extinguished.

Smoke may be visible while the burn is ongoing. All public roads and highways will remain open during the hazard reduction burn. Smoke notification signs will be in place along major roadways.

WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 14 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning a total of 2.45 hectares. All 14 of these wildfires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 173 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 175.26 hectares.

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

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FIRE PERMIT

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on doing any burning in the Forest Protection Area, other than a campfire. 

We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended. Soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again.

For 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
  

Social Media:

Join the conversation on

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.