Whitecourt Area Update

Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 23, 2021

Posted on Sun, May 23, 2021

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WHITECOURT FOREST AREA

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is HIGH. 


Have a Safe May Long Weekend! 

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May Long weekend is typically when Agriculture and Forestry sees the highest number of human-caused wildfires. Last year 61 wildfires occurred over the long weekend. The five-year average for this weekend is 87 wildfires. Nearly 92% of the wildfires that happen over the May Long weekend are human-caused.

How can you help to prevent wildfires? 

  • If you're having a campfire remember to fully extinguish it by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking again.
  • If you plan to use an OHV remember to stop often and check hot spots. Debris can heat up, drop to the ground and inadvertently start a wildfire.
  • Before you leave for the weekend check out, https://www.albertafirebans.ca/ for more information about potential restrictions in your area. 
  • If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473). 

Wildfire WCU002 is burning west of Tomahawk between range road 63 and range road 70, and between township roads 510 and 514. 

Alberta Wildfire is assisting Parkland County with wildfire operations.

A mutual aid resource sharing agreement enables the province to share wildland fire resources. Alberta Wildfire has agreements with local municipalities, such as Parkland County to provide firefighting resources when requested. 

Evacuations are initiated by the local municipality and enforced by the RCMP. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry does not enact evacuation orders. 

Please visit www.parklandcounty.com or Parkland County’s Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.

For evacuation information, please visit: https://emergencyalert.alberta.ca/


fire permits required

FIRE PERMIT

During the wildfire season you're required to have a fire permit if you plan on doing any burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. 

To request a free fire permit please call 780-778-7166. 

We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended. Soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again.


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WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 15 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 2.64 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. All 18 wildfires have been extinguished. 

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 325 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,048 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 

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