FireSmart Community

Whitecourt is located in the boreal forest and in the wildland Urban Interface.  Due to this location, there are risks from wildland fire events that could have a serious effect on our community.  Whitecourt has been working on FireSmart initiatives in the community since 2010, and places a high priority on conducting activities and initiatives that will safeguard our community from fire risks.

To learn more about FireSmart activities and projects in Whitecourt, view the report linked below.

Whitecourt FireSmart Annual Report

Fire Ban issued for the Town of Whitecourt

In consideration of current weather conditions, Whitecourt has instituted a full fire ban, effective Friday, April 19 at 9:00am.  No fire permits will be issued, and all existing fire permits will be suspended until conditions improve within Whitecourt.

The fire ban includes the following but is not limited to:

  • Backyard fire pits,
  • Campground fire pits,
  • All open burning,
  • Fireworks,
  • Flame propelled floating lanterns,
  • Charcoal briquettes, 
  • Turkey fryers,
  • Tiki torches.

Allowed for use during the fire ban:

  • CSA approved or ULC certified gas or propane barbeques used for cooking,
  • CSA approved or ULC certified Wood Pellet Smokers,
  • 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.  

The operation of Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) within the Town of Whitecourt is prohibited under the Traffic Bylaw 1573 which prohibits OHV use within Town boundaries between April 1 and November 30 annually.  Penalties for contravening Bylaw 1573 range from monetary fines to OHV seizure.  

Updates on the fire ban will be posted on www.whitecourt.ca and on Whitecourt’s Facebook page.  For details on fire bans across Alberta, visit www.albertafirebans.ca.