Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 6, 2021

Posted on Tue, Jul 06, 2021

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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. 


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


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OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES 

You can recreate safely while out in the forest protection area by:

  • Stopping often and checking your hot spots
  • Removing any debris that may have built up on your machine
  • Ensuring that you do not idle on tall, dry grass
  • Always carry a fire extinguisher and extra water with you 
  • Remembering that OHV's exhaust can get very hot, reaching temperatures of 200 Celsius, causing debris to become superheated. When the heated debris falls it could start a wildfire.

WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 73 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 40.06 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. Four wildfires are under control and 72 wildfires have been extinguished.    

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 706 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 3,463 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

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 

Websites:

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