The wildfire danger is moderate. Wildfires can still start and spread in cooler conditions but are less likely to become severe if detected quickly. Be cautious while spending time outdoors.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2026 there have been 28 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 134 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Cooking and warming fires
If you're heading out into the forest to hunt and you're having a campfire, keep your campfires small, safe and always attended. Before leaving the site or going to bed, ensure your campfire is completely extinguished. Soak the fire with water, stir the ashes and soak it again to ensure it’s out. The fire is fully extinguished when you can no longer feel any heat from the ashes.
Harvesting operations
To operate safely in the forest area we recommend:
- Maintaining your equipment by continuously inspecting for any wear and tear
- Ensuring machine parts are well lubricated to reduce sparking potential
- Checking fluid levels on equipment like oil, coolant and other fluids to avoid overheating the engine components
- Stopping often to cool machines down during hot days
- Acknowledging that hay bales can spontaneously combust under hot and dry conditions. To avoid accidently starting a wildfire consider baling outside the peak burning hours of (3 pm-7 pm) as this is when wildfires are more likely to occur and spread quickly
- Always carry firefighting equipment with you like a fire extinguisher, shovel and water vessel
Join Forestry at a nearby event
- Join us at Blue Ridge Family Fun Day on September 12
Junior Forest Rangers
Last week the Whitecourt Junior Forest Ranger crew set-off for Bull of the Woods to see if they had what it takes to be the top crew this year! We're proud to announce that the Whitecourt JFR crew successfully won the Bull of the Woods competition against the provinces other JFR crews. Now that the season is over, we wish the crew a good school year! Keep an eye on the Alis website for information about applications for the 2027 season.
Get your free fire permit
A fire permit is required for any burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), except for campfires. Permits are required during wildfire season, from March 1 to October 31. Fire permits are free and can be requested online or by calling 780-778-7166. As a reminder, if the wind is gusting over 15 km/h or increases beyond the limit on your permit, immediately extinguish your fire.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]
Published on August 25, 2026 2:37 pm