WILDFIRE DANGER
The wildfire danger is extreme in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Today, the temperature will reach a maximum of 28 C with wind SE 20 km/h in the morning, changing to NW 20 km/h in the afternoon. Under these conditions, wildfires can start quickly and spread rapidly, making them difficult to control. Please be diligent in preventing any wildfires from starting.
Lighting season is now here, if you see smoke in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).
As of May 23, 2018, a fire restriction is in effect for the northeast portion of Whitecourt Forest Area, see the MAP. The restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
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Under the Restriction
- All fire permits are suspended and new fire permits will not be issued until conditions improve
Prohibited
- Backyard fire pits and random campfires
- Charcoal briquettes
- Turkey fryers and tiki torches
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed
- Safe wood campfires in designated campgrounds (within fire rings)
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues designed for cooking
- Catalytic or infrared style heaters
Please note: the fire restriction does not apply to towns, villages or summer villages embedded in the Forest Protection Area, residents can check Albertafirebans.ca, or the Alberta Fire Bans app for Android or Apple devices for local advisories, restrictions or bans.
The rest of the forest area remains under a Fire Advisory.
A fire advisory issued on May 14, 2018, remains in place for the rest of the Whitecourt Forest Area until conditions improve, see a MAP. The advisory is due to persistent dry weather, and the dry grass wildfire hazard. Dry grass provides fuel for fast moving wildfires.
Under the Advisory
- All fire permits are suspended and new fire permits will not be issued until conditions improve
Prohibited
- Any burning (except campfires) within the Forest Protection Area.
- All fire permits (except burn barrels) are now suspended.
Allowed
- Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings) or random camping areas
- Charcoal briquettes
- Portable propane fire pits
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
- Permitted burn barrels.
Please note: the fire advisory does not apply to towns, villages or summer villages embedded in the Forest Protection Area, residents can check Albertafirebans.ca, or the Alberta Fire Bans app for Android or Apple devices for local advisories, restrictions or bans.
WILDFIRE SITUATION | May 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.
Whitecourt Forest Area
- There are zero wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
- Since March 1, 2018, there have been 22 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 10.17 hectares.
Province of Alberta
For information on the current wildfire situation in the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.caWILDFIRE PREVENTION
- Clean your off-highway vehicle before, during and after your ride. Learn more.
- Never leave your campfire unattended and when finished, soak it, stir it and soak it again. Learn more.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
- Subscribe to the Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email on new local wildfire information.
- Get wildfire information for the province of Alberta by visiting: wildfirestatus.alberta.ca. Or download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Email: Travis.Fairweatherh@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- 511 road reports
- Emergency preparation