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Wildfire update

Whitecourt Forest Area - July 12, 2025 - 4:21 pm

High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger across the Whitecourt Forest Area is high as warm temperatures and windy conditions continue. Vegetation is dry and wildfires could ignite easily and spread quickly. Please use extra caution when spending time outdoors.

Wildfire situation 

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 41 wildfires that have burned 2,790 hectares (ha). Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page. 

WWF041 

Wildfire WWF041 was detected today, July 12. It is located 2.5 km south of the Town of Fox Creek. Firefighters, supported by airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment are responding. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is about 2 hectares (ha) in size. 

Smoke is currently visible from the Town of Fox Creek and along Highway 43. The wildfire is currently moving east, driven by wind. Highway 43 is between the fire and the Town of Fox Creek and will create a fire break in the event of a wind shift. 

The highway is currently open. Stay up-to-date on potential road closures by checking 511 Alberta

Visit FireSmoke to see how the smoke is moving. 

Wildfire south of the Town of Fox Creek and taken from an aircraft. WWF041, seen from an aircraft. The fire is south of the Town of Fox Creek and is currently moving east due to winds. July 12, 2025.

Hubert Lake Wildfire WWF023 

The Hubert Lake Wildfire is located 7 km west of Fawcett and 19 km north of the community of Vega, in the Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park. The wildfire is approximately 2,773 hectares in size. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, this wildfire is now classified as under control. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire for any activity.  

Lightning-caused wildfires 

There has been an increase in wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area due to lightning. Thunderstorms could lead to more lightning-caused wildfires in the coming days. If you see smoke or flames in the Whitecourt Forest Area, call 310-FIRE(3473) to report it. 

Quick reporting helps wildfire crews respond faster and reduces the risk of wildfires spreading.

Get your free fire permit 

You will need a fire permit for any burning in the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire, from March 1 to October 31. 

Fire permits ensure safe burning practices are being followed and allow staff to know where burning is approved so firefighters and aircraft are free to fight wildfires. Your municipality may have its own rules and restrictions in place. If you require assistance, you can call the area office at 780-778-7153 during regular business hours.

For more details about safe burning practices, see our safe burning webpage. 

Contact info

Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]

Published on July 12, 2025 4:22 pm