Whitecourt Forest Area - July 13, 2025 - 1:45 pm

Wildfire situation 

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 41 wildfires that have burned 2,797 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 on 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 4.9 ha in size. There is no threat to any communities at this time. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Overnight, cooler temperatures helped heavy equipment make steady progress on building containment lines around the wildfire. A night vision equipped helicopter also worked overnight, conducting targeted bucketing operations and reinforcing containment lines.

Firefighters, supported by heavy equipment, continue to work on extinguishing hot spots and reinforcing containment lines today. Crews are focusing on priority areas to limit further spread.  

Some rain fell on the wildfire this morning and temperatures are cooler, which has decreased fire activity for now. Winds from the northwest at 15-20 km/h, gusting to 35 km/h, are expected and fire activity may increase as the day progresses.

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

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

Lingering smoke is visible within the perimeter of WWF041. July 13. 

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. This wildfire is classified as under control. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire for any activity.  

Report a wildfire 

The Whitecourt Forest Area has firefighters and equipment ready to respond to any new wildfires. Many wildfires are detected by lookout observers and members of the public.

Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Here's what you need to tell us:

• Where is the wildfire? Provide a description using road names, GPS locations or legal land descriptions.
• How is the fire burning? Is it burning grass? Trees? Is it on agricultural land?
• How fast is it spreading? Is it stationary? Is it slower or faster than a normal walking speed?
• What colour is the smoke? Is it light grey or dark grey to black?

Learn more about how to report a wildfire. 

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]