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.

Emergency Management Information

Town of Whitecourt Emergency Management Plan

The Town of Whitecourt has an Emergency Management Plan in place that would be followed if a disaster situation were to occur. The plan outlines how the municipality would work with local emergency service providers, how it would communicate with residents, and how relief efforts would be managed.

Emergency Alerts & Evacuation Orders - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx

Travel Information - https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts

Follow Whitecourt on social media

Provincial Emergency Apps

Alberta Emergency Alert and Alberta Wildfire apps are tools that the Town of Whitecourt and Province will use to provide critical information to residents during an emergency. The apps are complementary, and will be used in conjunction with other community tools to inform and engage residents during emergencies.

Residents are encouraged to download the apps to their mobile devices in order to receive alerts. Both apps are free and can be found on the App Store or Google Play. By signing up to receive information directly, users will be better informed about potential risks to their health, safety, and community.

During an emergency, Whitecourt may issue evacuation messages through the Alberta Emergency Alert app.  In an emergency, the following may be issued:

  • An Evacuation Alert a- means prepare to leave on short notice.
  • An Evacuation Order - means you must evacuate now.

Whitecourt App

Download our mobile app today to access the latest updates and news - and receive notifications in the event of a community emergency.
 
Download the “Loop for Municipalities” app, select "Town of Whitecourt" and make sure in-app notifications is turned on.

 

It is critical that the public be prepared for emergencies in order to handle the challenges that our community may face in the event of an emergency.

  • Every family should have an emergency kit that includes water, food, blankets, medications, a radio, and any other specific family needs. 
  • Residents should visit this website or follow the Town's Facebook page.  Also plan to listen to local radio stations for updates and information during an emergency.

For more information on how you can prepare visit: