Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update

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.

WWF027 was detected May 30th, 2021 and is approximately 19 kilometers from Whitecourt. The fire is currently under control and is approximately 16.03 hectares in size. At this time there is one wildfire support member allocated to the wildfire that will monitor for any fire behavior. There is no threat to 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.

Campfire

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 39 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 22.46 hectares. There were three previously reported wildfires that began before March 1, 2021, burning a total of 0.23 hectares. One wildfire is under control and 41 have been extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 526 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 1,379 hectares.

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

FIRESMART TIPS

While you're getting your yards ready for summer there are some easy FireSmart practices you can do to increase the likelihood of your home surviving a wildfire.

Clear your gutters of debris and wash them out
Pile firewood at least 10-30 meters away from your home
Remove combustible material (twigs, logs, branches, leaves) within 10 meters of a structure

For more information about how you can adopt these FireSmart practices visit https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/

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