Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH.

Whitecourt Forest Area Update

Over the weekend the Whitecourt Forest Area seen some wildfire activity resulting in seven new wildfires since Friday evening. From July 2, 2021 to present there have been four wildfires that have been extinguished, two wildfires that are being held, and one wildfire is under control.

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(WWF071 started July 2nd, 2021 is approximately 5.63 hectares and is classified as under control.)

WWF071 has been classified as under control and is approximately 5.63 hectares. The wildfire is approximately 22 kilometers east of Fox Creek and did not threaten any communities. There is currently one wildfire crew, two helicopters, and one piece of heavy equipment working on the fire.

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.

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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, resulting in a wildfire.
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 72 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 39.35 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 under control and 71 wildfires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 704 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 3,465 hectares.

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

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