Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 30, 2021

Posted on Wed, Jun 30, 2021

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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.


Fireworks

Countdown to Canada Day: 1 day away 

Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during long weekends. Last year, 88% of wildfires were human-caused. We all have a role to play to prevent them.

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

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.

Due to current conditions, the Town of Whitecourt has postponed Canada Day fireworks at Graham Acres Field. 

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


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FIRESMART TIP

Keep some of these Firesmart practices in mind for your new build:

  • Rooftops are the most valuable component to your home 
  • Sparks and embers from a wildfire can travel long distances and ignite material
  • Class A fire-rated material offers the best protection for your home. Examples include clay tile, concrete tile, metal, and asphalt shingles   

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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 607 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,640 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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Android


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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