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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Whitecourt Forest Area - February 06, 2026

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Low wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is low. Warmer temperatures and moderate winds are expected and melting snow may expose dry vegetation. If you conducted any burning activities over the winter, it is critical to check those locations to ensure burning projects are fully extinguished. 

Safe winter burning 

If you plan to burn this winter, we encourage you to follow our winter burning guidelines. 

Here are some suggestions for safe burning: 

  • Waiting until there is a good snow cover (more than 15 cm) before taking on a new burn project
  • Checking wind speeds of less than 15 km/h will lessen the chances of embers flying into nearby dry vegetation
  • Burning in stages so it's more manageable
  • Avoid burning when an inversion is forecasted. Inversions happen when cold air is trapped below a layer of warm air. It causes smoke to stay close to the ground, impacting visibility on roadways and possibly causing smoke-related health concerns
  • Consulting your local municipality and ensuring your fire is properly managed and fully extinguished

If you are planning large-scale burning in the Whitecourt Forest Area, please notify us in advance. Reporting large-scale burns helps prevent firefighters from being dispatched to non-emergency fires. Call 780-778-7166 (leave a message if unanswered) and provide: 

  • Name of landowner or company, and representative
  • Contact phone number
  • Legal land description or latitude/longitude

Fire season is only a month away. All existing burns will need to be extinguished by February 28 and any new burns will require a permit. You will require a fire permit for any burning in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire, from March 1 to October 31. 

Hiring for the 2026 wildfire season

Applications are now open for a variety of seasonal wildfire positions. Learn more about current openings, position requirements and how to apply on our recruitment page.

FireSmart Alberta Community Scorecard 

Wildfire resilience starts with understanding the needs of the community. The FireSmart Alberta Community Scorecard helps communities assess wildfire preparedness, align with best practices, and track progress over time.

There are virtual training sessions now available for Alberta community representatives. 

Contact info

Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]

Published on February 6, 2026 3:42 pm