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High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger across the Whitecourt Forest Area remains high as recent warm temperatures and windy conditions have contributed to dry vegetation. These conditions increase wildfire risk 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 44 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area that have burned 2,795 hectares (ha).
Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
WWF044
Wildfire WWF044 was detected in the evening on July 18. It is located 19.5km west of the intersection of the ANC haul road and the Big Stone road. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is approximately 1.5 hectares (ha) in size. Firefighters are responding with the support of helicopters. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
WWF043
Wildfire WWF043 was detected in the afternoon on July 18. It is located at Kidney Lake which is 25 km south of the Town of Swan Hills. The wildfire is classified as under control and approximately 0.01 ha in size. Firefighters will monitor this wildfire for activity and respond if required. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
WWF041
Wildfire WWF041 was detected on July 12. It is located 2.5 km south of the Town of Fox Creek. The wildfire is classified as under control and estimated to be 5 ha in size. Firefighters will monitor this wildfire for activity and respond if required. The cause remains under investigation.
WWF023 Hubert Lake Wildfire
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.
Due to a recent infrared scan, additional hot spots were found within the fire perimeter as warmer conditions exposed them. Firefighters are currently working to extinguish these hot spots and continue to monitor for any wildfire 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 18, 2025 8:44 pm