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FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR WHITECOURT

Whitecourt has issued a FIRE ADVISORY. This is due to the current and expected weather conditions and the dry grass hazard that we are seeing throughout the community.

Existing fire pit and fire burn permits will remain valid and new permit requests will still be approved on a case by case basis. 

Under this advisory, backyard fire pit and campfires are still allowed, but extreme caution is advised as windy conditions are forecasted. 
 
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.
 
For information on fire restrictions and bans throughout the province, visit www.albertafirebans.ca.

Follow the Whitecourt Fire Department on Facebook.

Whitecourt Fire Department

“With pride and professionalism, we provide emergency services and education to Whitecourt and surrounding area.”

The Whitecourt Fire Department consists of a full-time Fire Chief, a Deputy Chief, a Training Officer, a Fire Department Clerk; and, up to 42 paid, on-call Firefighters. The Department provides fire protection and rescue services for the Town of Whitecourt and the surrounding areas of Woodlands County. Contact the Fire Department between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (except for statutory holidays) at:

Whitecourt Fire Department

5205 51 Street, Box 509
Whitecourt AB T7S 1N6
Phone: 780-778-2342
Email: firedepartment@whitecourt.ca

For Emergencies call 911.

Firefighters:

  • Respond to emergency calls – fire, medical and other.
  • Drive and operate vehicles and equipment.
  • Provide emergency medical response and aid – rescue and extrication.
  • Perform duties in fire prevention and public education.
  • Participate in department training with respect to emergency equipment and emergency procedures.
  • Participate in public relation projects (such as recruitment, demonstrations, visits, etc.).

2023 Whitecourt Fire Department Annual Report

Fire Services Bylaw 1582

The Fire Services Bylaw includes legislation for residential fire pits and fire permits; includes updated provisions for fire restrictions and fire bans; and, includes fees and charges for services provided by the Whitecourt Fire Department, including fire inspections, fire investigations and incident responses.

Fire pits require a Permit in Whitecourt (excluding barbeques).

Fire Pit Guidelines – includes Permanent and Portable:

  • Construction Material: Must be constructed on a non-combustible base and surrounded by non-combustible material equal to the height of the pit.
  • Screen: A metal mesh screen with openings no larger than 1.25 centimetres must be used to contain and reduce the hazards of airborne sparks.
  • Size:
    • The opening shall not exceed 1 metre in diameter.
    • Non-combustible sides must be a minimum height of 30 centimetres above ground level.
  • Placement:
    • A minimum of 3 metres clearance from any property line.
    • A minimum clearance from any structure, trees, shrubs, or other combustible material of 2.5 metres for fire pits up to 0.7m and 3 metres for fire pits up to 1 metre in diameter.
    • The fire pit must not have any combustible materials, including trees, hanging overhead.

For further details, refer to Fire Services Bylaw 1582. 

How to get a Fire Pit Permit

  1. Install the fire pit according to local fire pit guidelines.
  2. Complete the application form.
  3. Submit the form and application fee ($25) to the Town Administration Office (5004 52 Avenue).

*The Whitecourt Fire Department will contact residents by phone to review their Fire Pit Permit request.  In some cases, an on-site inspection may be required and scheduled (different permit fees will apply).  If an on-site inspection is required, and additional $25 fee will be charged.

Limit Smoke

Some medical conditions are aggravated by smoke.  Make sure your fire is small and burning clean, dry fuels to limit the amount of smoke drifting onto your neighbour’s property.

Open burning is any fire that is not contained within a fire pit or fireplace.

Apply for an Open Burn Permit

  1. Complete the application form. 
  2. Submit the form and application fee ($100) to the Town Administration Office (5004 52 Avenue).

*The Whitecourt Fire Department will contact applicants by phone to review their Open Burn Permit request.

A Fireworks Permit is required for the discharge of fireworks in Whitecourt.  Please contact the Whitecourt Fire Department at 780-778-2342 or email firedepartment@whitecourt.ca for information.

There are two different fire conditions that may be put into effect in the event of high wildfire risk.

Fire Restriction

A fire restriction is when all Fireworks, Special Events, and Open Burning Permits are cancelled, and no Fire Permits will be issued until the Fire Restriction is removed.

What is not allowed during a Fire Restriction:

  • Open fires (brush, bonfires)
  • Fireworks
  • Special events that include recreational fire pits, fireworks,

What is allowed:

  • Fires in permitted fire pits and fireplaces
  • All barbeques – which is defined as any appliance that burns propane, natural gas or wood pellets that is designed and certified for the intended use of cooking or obtaining warmth.

Fire Ban

A Fire Ban is when all Fire Permits are cancelled, and no outdoor fires are allowed.

What is not allowed:

  • All open burning;
  • Fireworks;
  • Backyard fire pits;
  • Campground fire pits;
  • Charcoal briquettes;
  • Turkey fryers;
  • Tiki torches.

What is allowed:

  • CSA approved or ULC certified gas or propane barbeque used for cooking;
  • CSA approved or ULC certified wood pellet smokers
  • Propane and natural gas fire pits;
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters;
  • Electric or propone meat smokers.

Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment

Please watch for details on the next recruitment campaign.

The fire and rescue service is one of the most diverse and challenging professions, and we take great pride in overcoming these challenges through the diversity of our membership. Bringing together people with a variety of different skills and backgrounds allow us to offer the best possible service to our community. This would not be possible without our people applying to give of their time and committing to answer the call to protect the life, property and environment within our region.

 

 

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Criminal background & vulnerable sector screening satisfactory to the Town of Whitecourt
  • Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License (Class 3 with air brakes would be considered an asset)
  • Driver’s abstract with 7 or less demerits
  • Ability to understand and communicate fluently in English
  • Physically fit and able to obtain medical clearance to perform tasks/duties of the job (See Summary of Physical Demands)
  • Able to commit to training and respond to emergency calls
  • Live within the response area

Attributes:

  • Positive attitude driven by strong values and ethics
  • Motivated with well-developed interpersonal and team skills
  • Good mechanical aptitude and problem solving skills
  • Willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence
  • Ability to effectively operate under the realities of emergency situations

Summary of Physical Demands: 

This position will include activities that include, but are not limited to, structural firefighting, pre-hospital patient care, rescue and extrication, confined space and wild-land firefighting. Some of the major stressors involved in training and day to day operations are outlined below:

  • Tolerating extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing duties. Firefighters are required to perform physically demanding work in hot (up to 150ºC or 400ºF), humid (up to 100%) atmospheres while wearing personal protective equipment that significantly impairs thermoregulation. (Core body temperatures can reach up to 40ºC after 20 min of hard work).
  • Wearing firefighting clothing and equipment that weighs at least 22 kg (50 lbs.) while performing firefighting work.
  • Sustaining body positions for extended periods of time while operating equipment or providing emergency medical assistance. This may include using tools or working above their head.
  • Performing physically demanding work while wearing positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) which presents a significant resistance to expiratory flow and may reduce peak exercise ventilation by approximately 15%.
  • Making rapid transitions from rest to near maximal exertion without warm-up periods.
  • Operating in environments of high noise, poor visibility, uneven terrain, slippery surfaces and limited mobility; at heights; and, in enclosed or confined spaces.
  • High levels of cardiovascular stress as evidenced by average heart rates of 70% of the age-predicted maximum during training scenarios with brief, repeated periods of near maximal heart rate (90+%).