Whitecourt Forest Area - July 12, 2025 - 9:00 pm

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 this afternoon, July 12. It is located 2.5 km south of the Town of Fox Creek. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is approximately 2 hectares (ha) in size. There is no threat to any communities at this time. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. 

Airtankers assisted firefighters and heavy equipment to build containment lines today to prevent the wildfire from spreading. Dry and windy conditions challenged suppression efforts earlier today. Firefighters and heavy equipment are making good progress this evening, thanks to cooler temperatures. Heavy equipment will continue building containment lines tonight. A night vision equipped helicopter will also be working the fire overnight.

Firefighters will continue to work on extinguishing hot spots tomorrow. Helicopters will assist with bucketing operations. Airtankers are available as required.  

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area for safety and to give firefighting crews the space they need to work.  

Smoke is currently visible from the Town of Fox Creek and along Highway 43. Visit FireSmoke to see how the smoke is moving. 

For any potential road closure visit 511 Alberta.

A wildland firefighter works to cool areas of heat on WWF041 this evening. July 12. 

Hubert Lake 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]