Whitecourt Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is LOW.

Fire can still ignite but is not expected to spread to deeper vegetation layers or larger fuels, such as trees

A FIRE ADVISORY remains in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area.

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area, north of Swan Hills.

For a map of the restriction boundary, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

If you see smoke or flames in the forest, report it by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

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FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the remainder of the forest area, south of Swan Hills.

A fire advisory is an indication that the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas.

Under this advisory:

New permits will be considered on a case-by-case basis, only for essential burning.
Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work-related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry vegetation to ignite into a wildfire.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Fire Restriction banner

FIRE RESTRICTION STILL IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is still in place for the the area north of Swan Hills in the Whitecourt Forest area.

Under this advisory:

Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.

Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:

All outdoor wood fires.
Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
The use of fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:

Safe wood campfires.
Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.

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.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

To view restriction boundaries, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

Fire Restriction Map

Fire Restriction Fact Sheet

WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1st, 2024, there have been 18 wildfires in the Whitecourt forest area burning a total of 16 hectares (ha).

There are currently four active wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area. Three of these wildfires are classified as under control and one is a carryover wildfire from 2023.

WWF-012 is located 18 km north of Fort Assiniboine. It is classified as under control at 5 hectares. The wildfire will be monitored for hotspots and firefighters will extinguish them when found.

WWF-023-2023 is a carryover from the 2023 wildfire season and is currently labeled as UNDER CONTROL. Alberta Wildfire firefighters are conducting high level scans for hotspots and will work to extinguish the ones that are detected, if any. Three patrols have been completed during marginal fire behavior conditions with no smoke found.

This fire will remain active until wildland firefighters can fully extinguish the fire.

For more information on the current wildfire situation, visit Alberta Wildfire Status or download the AB Wildfire Status app for Apple and Android.

EVACUATION PREPARDNESS

Are you prepared in case of an evacuation? In the event of an evacuation, individuals and families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours. Find out what you need to do this wildfire season to be prepared. Click here for more information.

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OHV SAFETY

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

FIRE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a burn permit, with the exception of campfire.

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FIRESMART

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard can increase your property's resistance to wildfire.

Download the Farm and Acreage Guide to Reducing the Risk From Wildfire for additional information.

For more information, please contact:

Wildfire Information Officer

Randi-Marie Adams

(780) 706-5336

Email: randi.adams@gov.ab.ca

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