WILDFIRE DANGER
Hot, dry weather keeps the wildfire danger at extreme for the Whitecourt Forest Area, as a result, a Fire Ban and an Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction are in effect for the northeastern portion of the Whitecourt Forest Area, the rest of the forest area remains under a fire advisory.
As of May 25, 2018 at 12:00, a Fire Ban and off-highway vehicle restriction are in effect for the northeast portion of Whitecourt Forest Area, see the MAP. The restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Under the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction:
Prohibited
- All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits
- Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
- Fireworks and exploding targets
- The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands
Allowed
- Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating
- Catalytic or infrared style heaters
Please note: the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle 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 25, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.
Whitecourt Forest Area
- There is one wildfire in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Wildfire 24 is 0.01 hectares in size and is located 16 km SE of Swan Hills, E of highway 33. This wildfire is being held meaning that it is not anticipated to grow past its current boundary. 10 firefighters and two helicopters are working to extinguish the wildfire.
- Since March 1, 2018, there have been 24 wildfires; with a total area burnt of 10.22 hectares.
Province of Alberta
- There are 34 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. 7 wildfires are out of control, 6 being held, 18 are under control, and 3 have been turned over to the responsible party. Learn more about wildfire status definitions.
- Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 496 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area; with a total area burnt of 13,354.55 hectares.
WILDFIRE 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