Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 21, 2021

Posted on Mon, Jun 21, 2021

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH. 


Whitecourt Forest Area Update

If you see any smoke or fire in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).

Please fully extinguish your campfires by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again. The coals should be cool to the touch.  

WWF048 was detected June 14th, 2021 and is approximately 4.2 kilometers east of Whitecourt. The fire is under control burning approximately 0.01 hectares. The fire is being monitored by one wildfire personnel.

WWF055 was detected June 21st, 2021 and is approximately 11 kilometers north-east of Fox Creek. The wildfire is currently out of control and 0.80 hectares in size. There are two wildfire crews and two helicopters allocated to the fire. 

WWF056 was detected June 21st, 2021 and is approximately 40 kilometers south-west of Fox Creek. The wildfire is currently out of control and is 0.50 hectares in size. There are two wildfire crews and three helicopters allocated to the fire. 

*There will be smoke and aircraft activity in the area. There are no threats to any communities at this time.*


EXPORTED RESOURCES

One Whitecourt wildfire crew has been sent on export to assist Ontario with Wildfire Operations. Alberta Wildfire assists other agencies when we are able to and the same is done for us in times of need. These arrangements are made through an organization called the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and they coordinate resource sharing between agencies. We wish the crew safe travels and good luck during their stay. 


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SAFE CAMPFIRES

Enjoying a campfire this summer? Here are some tips on how to have a safe campfire:

  • Before heading out this summer check out https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ for the latest updates in your area
  • Make a safe ring of rocks to contain the campfire if you're in the backcountry or use a designated fire pit when visiting a campground
  • Never leave a campfire unattended 
  • When you're finished with your campfire soak it, stir it, and soak it again 
  • We ask that you stir and soak your campfire again as the campfire can burn into the ground and may re-ignite later causing a wildfire 
  • Always make sure the coals from the campfire are cool to the touch before leaving the area 

WILDFIRE UPDATE 

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 53 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 25.46 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. Two wildfires are out of control and one wildfire is under control and 53 have been extinguished.    

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 566 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,385 hectares. 

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


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OHV

  • Exhaust from your OHV can become very hot, reaching temperatures of 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. The debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground
  • Stop often along the trails and check your hotspots on the OHV or vehicle and clear out any vegetative material that has built-up
  • Always bring firefighting equipment like a small extinguisher, shovel, or water with you when in the forested areas
  • Before heading out check out https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ to see if there are any restrictions in the area

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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 

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