Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 2, 2021

Posted on Fri, Jul 02, 2021

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is VERY HIGH. 


Whitecourt Forest Area Update

Weather - Whitecourt is in a heat warning and temperatures will be in the high 20s. 

The Whitecourt Forest Area has seen five new wildfire starts since yesterday. Three wildfires are under control, one is being held, and one is extinguished. Each of the five wildfires are approximately under 0.11 hectares and are not a risk to any communities at this time. Firefighters and helicopters are working to extinguish hotspots. 


SMOKE RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

Please be advised that smoke from multiple wildfires inside and outside of our forest area can be seen. 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.


Firepit

SAFE CAMPFIRES

Before heading out on your trip please check out https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ for any information regarding fire advisories, restrictions, or bans in the area.

Help us prevent wildfires by completing these tasks:
  • Ensure that you have found a safe spot for your campfire by selecting an area with no low hanging branches 
  • Clear the area of any materials that could ignite 
  • Use a designated fire pit or make your own with a safe ring of rocks  
  • When you're finished with your campfire make sure that you soak it, stir it, and soak it again 
  • The coals from the campfire should be cool to the touch before you leave the area 
  • If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call, 310-FIRE (3473) 

Thank you for doing your part in preventing wildfires! 


WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 66 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 30.24 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. Two wildfires are being held, two wildfires are out of control and 65 wildfires have been extinguished.    

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 639 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 2,900 hectares. 

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


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Download the NEW Alberta Wildfire App to access provincial wildfire status maps and updates on your mobile device.

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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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