Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

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

Whitecourt Forest Area Update

We are seeing extremely dry conditions with high heat. Please use caution when outdoors.

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.

WWF056 was detected June 21st, 2021 and is approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Fox Creek. The wildfire is currently under control and is 2.80 hectares in size. There is one wildfire crew allocated to the fire. *There are no threats to any communities at this time.*

Weather - we will see temperatures in the upper 20s and wind gusts up to 40km/h in places.

Fire Restriction

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A FIRE RESTRICTION is now in place for portions of 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.

map with insert FR June 24

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EXPORTED RESOURCES

One Whitecourt Unit crew and one Helitack crew are making their way back to Alberta today after an 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 on their way back home to Alberta!

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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 twice 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 54 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 28.76 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. Two wildfires are under control and 55 have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 580 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,574 hectares.

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

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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