The Fire Ban that had been in place for the Town of Whitecourt since July 10, has been lifted, and the Fire Ban that was in place for the Whitecourt Forest Area, which includes Woodlands and Yellowhead Counties, has been downgraded to a Fire Advisory.
Due to the recent precipitation and cooler temperatures, officials with the Town of Whitecourt decided to lift the Fire Ban effective as of 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 29. Whitecourt residents are being reminded that although there is no Fire Ban currently in effect, permits are still required for all residential fire pits and temporary burning. Officials are asking anyone who is burning to remain diligent and aware of potential fire risks.
More information on fire permits for Whitecourt residents can be found on the Town of Whitecourt website.
With the Whitecourt Forest Area now under a Fire Restriction, officials say existing permits are still cancelled or suspended, and new permits will not be issued moving forward. Officials also note that all outdoor wood fires, charcoal briquette fires, fireworks and exploding targets are all still prohibited on public land; however, safe wood campfires, backyard fire pits, charcoal barbecues, and natural gas or propane-powered appliances (CSA-approved or UL-certified) can now be used on private land.
Residents are being reminded to never leave a fire unattended. When extinguishing a fire, remember to soak it, stir it, and soak it again, repeating this process until cool to the touch.
More information can be found on the Alberta Fire Bans website.
