Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 14, 2021

Posted on Wed, Jul 14, 2021

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is EXTREME. 


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. 


WILDFIRES OF NOTE

WWF079 was detected July 9th, 2021 is classified as under control. It is located approximately 33 kilometers south east of Fox Creek and is approximately 3.10 hectares in size. The wildfire was caused by lightning and there are currently one wildfire crew and two helicopters attending the fire. 

WWF091 was detected July 14th, 2021 and is classified as being held at this time. It is located approximately ten kilometers west of Swan Hills and is approximately 0.02 hectares in size. There are three wildfire crews, three helicopters, and one water truck allocated the wildfire. 

**WWF092 was detected July 14th, 2021 and is classified as under control. The wildfire can be seen from the Town of Whitecourt and it is 0.01 hectares in size. There is one wildfire crew and a helicopter assisting.  

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


SLAVE LAKE WILDFIRES 

The Slave Lake forest area has many wildfires close to the border of the Whitecourt forest area. There will be aircraft activity and there may be some smoke seen from the community of Swan Hills.

Lightning sparked 10 new wildfires yesterday in the Slave Lake region. Five are classified as out of control, two are under control, two are being held and one has been extinguished. To view the wildfires on a map click here.

SWF 103-107 are located 10 kilometers north of the town of Swan Hills. Firefighters are working to extinguish these wildfires which range in size from 0.5 to 0.01 hectares. These wildfires are not threatening the community.

SWF102 located 31 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills is being held and is 6 hectares in size. There are 12 firefighters with a helicopter and water delivery vehicle working on this wildfire. 

Slave lake fires

(Many wildfires are burning in the lower Slave Lake Region. Aircraft activity can be seen from Swan Hills. Please see https://srd.web.alberta.ca/slave-lake-area-update for more information.)


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 89 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 50.20 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 85 wildfires have been extinguished.    

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 869 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 19,319 hectares. 

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


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RELATED INFORMATION
 
Fire Permits

780-778-7166

Reporting a Wildfire

310-FIRE (3473)

General Information Related to Alberta Wildfire or Fire Bans, Restrictions, or Advisories

1-866-FYI-FIRE

General/Other Forestry Related Questions

780-778-7153

For more information, please contact:
 
Colby Lachance 
Wildfire Information Officer 
Phone: (780) 778-7263
colby.lachance@gov.ab.ca 

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