Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH.

Whitecourt Forest Area Update

If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

For any fire advisories, restrictions, or bans please click on https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ for more information specific to your area.

If you require a free fire permit call 780-778-7166.

SMOKE RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

Please be advised that smoke from multiple wildfires from British Columbia is drifting into our area. To learn more about smoke produced by wildfires, visit firesmoke.ca. For smoke related health concerns, please visit Alberta Health Services, click here.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

For any information regarding the status of wildfires in British Columbia please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation

WHITECOURT WILDFIRE UPDATE

WWF111 is classified as UNDER CONTROL and was detected August 10, 2021. The wildfire is located approximately 15 kilometers south west of Fox Creek and is currently 1.5 hectares in size. The cause of this wildfire was determined to be lightning.

There are no threats to any communities at this time.

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FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area, due to increased fire danger.

Under this advisory:

All permits are suspended, except for burn barrels, incinerators and any burning deemed essential by a forest officer
No new permits will be issued until conditions change

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires *
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one meter around the fire;
Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

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.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 114 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 51.87 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. Two wildfires are under control and 115 wildfires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 1,123 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 52,872 hectares.

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

JUNIOR FOREST RANGERS

The Junior Forest Rangers wrapped up their season this week with their Bull of the Woods competition. The rangers come together from all over Alberta and compete against each other with many challenges including: bush craft competition, communication challenge, sawing competition, and so much more.

If you would like to know how you can join the fun next year check out The Junior Forest Ranger website https://alis.alberta.ca/junior-forest-rangers/

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