Smoke from a nearby wildfire was visible from downtown Whitecourt on Wednesday afternoon.
Alberta Wildfire reports that the fire is very small — just 0.01 hectares in size — and poses no threat to any communities. The fire is already classified as under control. One wildfire crew and one helicopter assisted in fighting the fire.
Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect
With the nearby wildfire, this would be a good time to remind you that a number of fire bans and fire restrictions remain in place. You can stay up to date on all fire restrictions at albertafirebans.ca.
Fire Ban in the Town of Whitecourt:
In consideration of current and forecasted extreme weather conditions, a fire ban is now in effect within the Town of Whitecourt. All burning will be suspended; no fire permits will be issued; and, all existing fire permits will be suspended until conditions improve in the Town and Whitecourt Forest Area.
The fire ban includes the following but is not limited to:
Backyard firepits,
Campground firepits,
All open burning,
Consumer fireworks,
Flame propelled floating lanterns,
Charcoal briquettes, including meat smokers,
Turkey fryers,
Tiki torches.
Allowed for use during the fire ban:
CSA approved or ULC certified gas or propane barbeques used for cooking,
Propane and natural gas fire pits,
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters,
Electric or propane meat smokers.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Fire Restrictions in the Whitecourt and Edson Forest Areas, including Woodlands County and Yellowhead County
A fire restriction has been expanded to include most of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta due to hot and dry conditions and increased fire danger. The fire restriction is now in effect for the Edson, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lac La Biche, Peace River, Slave Lake and Whitecourt forest areas.
Under this restriction:
· Existing fire permits are suspended;
· All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
· Wood campfires in backcountry or random camping areas are prohibited
· Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.
Prohibited:
· Wood campfires in backcountry or random camping areas;
· Fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed:
· Safe wood campfires within fire rings in public and private campgrounds
· Backyard fire pits on private land
· Charcoal briquette barbeques
· Gas and liquid powered appliances (stoves, lanterns, fire rings)
· Open flame oil devices (turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
· Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
· Indoor wood fires
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.
Fire Advisory for Town of Mayerthorpe
Effective 3:00p.m. June 30, 2021 the Town of Mayerthorpe has issued a FIRE ADVISORY. With the current conditions and forecasted hot temperatures with winds, the Fire Rating has dramatically increased within town limits and the surrounding area. The Fire Rating is VERY HIGH.
No new Fire Permits will be authorized during the Fire Advisory.
Under the Town’s Fire Bylaw and in accordance with the Alberta Forest and Prairie Protection Act, Consumer/Family fireworks are PROHIBITED during a Fire Advisory or Fire Ban. Contravention of this Bylaw may result in fines or citations.
Cooking and warming fires in approved pits in accordance to regulations are allowed during this Fire Advisory, however residents are advised to use with an abundance of caution, and consider waiting for conditions to improve.
Report any emergencies to 911.
