Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is VERY 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.

The Whitecourt area will see continuing hot and dry conditions in the high 20s and low 30s.

Since the evening of July 9th, 2021 the Whitecourt Forest Area has responded to eleven wildfires. One wildfire is out of control, three are under control and seven have been extinguished. Aircraft and wildfire crews were able to work quickly to contain all of the wildfires to just under one hectare in size at this time. Wildfire crews will work to monitor and extinguish the remaining fires.

WWF077 was detected July 7th, 2021 and is approximately 3.91 hectares in size. The wildfire is classified as under control and was caused by lightning. The wildfire is located south of the intersection of the ANC Road and Bigstone Road. There is currently one wildfire crew and one helicopter working to extinguish hotspots.

*There are no threats to any communities at this time.*

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.

Fire Restriction

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A FIRE RESTRICTION is now in place for the Whitecourt Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions, which will increase the fire danger.

Under this restriction:

Existing fire permits are suspended.
All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer.
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.

Prohibited:

Wood campfires on public land
Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

Wood campfires on private land
Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
Backyard fire pits on private land
Charcoal briquette barbeques
Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
Indoor wood fires
Open flame oil devices

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Remember to check the hot spots on your off-highway vehicle (ohv) and remove debris before and after use.

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.

If you have any questions, please call 780-778-7166 or 1-866-FYI-FIRE.

Please see https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ for more information specific to your location.

July 5 - fire restriction poster

WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 86 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 50.53 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. One wildfire is out of control, six wildfires are under control, and 82 wildfires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 824 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 17,833 hectares.

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

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