Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - Aug. 23, 2018

Posted on Tue, Aug 21, 2018

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WILDFIRE DANGER 

Due to persistent dry, windy conditions, the wildfire danger is high in the Whitecourt Forest Area; meaning a wildfire can start easily and spread quickly. Please take the time to prevent a wildfire. 

Today, the wind will be gusting up to 35 km/h, burning is not recommended; please see the conditions on your fire permit.


SMOKE IN THE AIR

Smoke continues to drift into the forest area from wildfires burning in British Columbia. See the most current smoke forecast at firesmoke.ca.

If you are experiencing health concerns related to the inhalation of smoke from wildfire, visit Alberta Health Link, or dial 811 for 24 hour health advice.


FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

Free fire permits are required for any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Permits help firefighters know where planned burning is taking place, leaving them ready to respond to new wildfires.

If you need a fire permit in the Whitecourt Forest Area, call 780-778-7272.

 FIREPERMIT

If you burn without a permit, or outside of the permit conditions, your fire is a wildfire. Learn about violation tickets for burning without a permit.


HELP PREVENT WILDFIRE

  • Clean your off-highway vehicle before, during and after your ride. Learn more.

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  • Campfire tips include never leaving the fire unattended, and when finished, soak it, stir it, and soak it again. An abandoned campfire can lead to fines, learn more.

    Safe campfire

Before you go camping, or taking a vehicle off-road, find out about fire advisories, restrictions, bans, and off-highway vehicle restrictions at Albertafirebans.ca, or on the Alberta Fire Bans app for Android or Apple devices. 


WILDFIRE SITUATION (1000hrs)

Whitecourt Forest Area

  • There are wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
  • Since March 1, 2018, there have been 51 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 13.99 hectares.

Province of Alberta

  • There are 22 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
    • Current wildfire status: 1 is Out of Control (UC), 10 are Being Held (BH), 8 are Under Control (UC), and 3 have been turned over to the responsible party.
  • Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 1,170 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area; with a total area burnt of 58,590.39 hectares.

For more information, visit the Alberta Wildfire status map.


 ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be August 24, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. 
 
Shannon Stambaugh
Wildfire Information Officer
Phone: 780.706.5336
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