Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is EXTREME.

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.

Weather - Whitecourt is in a heat warning and temperatures will be in the high 30s.

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.

Countdown to Canada Day: 2 days

Save your fireworks for another day. Celebrate together on July 1^st

With lack of rain and extremely hot temperatures the wildfire danger has reached extreme levels. Under these hot and dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread very quickly.

A Fire Restriction has been issued for the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. Under a Fire Restriction the use of fireworks and exploding targets in the Forest Protection Area is prohibited.

Firefighters are urging everyone to save their fireworks for another day and to celebrate together at community organized events on July 1st. These organized events are permitted as they are conducted by professionals and require the presence of firefighters and their equipment to ensure firework displays are conducted safely.

Firefighters truly appreciate your cooperation.

The Town of Whitecourt is going to be setting off fireworks at 11:15pm at Graham Acres Fields. The Town of Whitecourt is currently monitoring conditions and will inform the community of any changes.

Keep up to date on the wildfire situation download the New Alberta Wildfire App and visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

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.

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WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 61 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 30.01 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. 64 wildfires have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 602 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,603 hectares.

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

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