FORT ASSINIBOINE — Woodlands County issued a warning June 8 that residents may see smoke coming from the south over the coming days as a result of a wildfire in Yellowhead County.
There are current three wildfires burning as part of the Deep Creek Complex: EWF-035, WCU-001 and WCU-002. All three are classified as out of control.
The latter two are in the area of Evansburg, Entwistle, Wildwood, Lobstick and Hansonville and cover more than 8,700 hectares in total.
The third fire, EWF-035, is located three kilometres southeast of Shining Bank, which is itself southwest of Whitecourt. It is classified as out of control and is 19,567 hectares in size.
The notice states that this third wildfire is now consuming vegetation in unburned areas and that is creating plumes of smoke.
The notice reminds residents that as hot temperatures and windy conditions continue, fire activity also increases, and smoke will be more visible.
FIre behaviour typically increases during “peak burning periods,” which is normally mid-afternoon when temperatures are hottest and relative humidity drops.
In general, Albertans are being urged to remain vigilant and respect fire restrictions as hot and dry conditions continue into the weekend.
While the fire restriction has been dropped for the County of Barrhead, a fire restriction remains in effect for all of Woodlands County, which falls within the Whitecourt Forest Protection Area.
