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 is in a heat warning and will see continuing hot and dry conditions in the high 20s and low 30s.

There are currently six wildfires under control in the Whitecourt Forest Area. These wildfires are relatively small with no wildfires being over four hectares in size. Crews and helicopters will monitor and extinguish any hotspots.

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.*

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

map 13 july (002)

WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 86 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 49.89 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. Seven wildfires are under control, and 83 wildfires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 847 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 18,275 hectares.

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

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