Whitecourt Forest Area - June 01, 2025

Westlock County evacuation order

This alert is in effect for everyone in the Hubert Lake Wildfire Provincial Park area, on both sides of the Pembina River. Residents in the area must evacuate. For more information, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert webpage or download the app. You can also visit their webpage for updates from the municipality.

WWF023 Hubert Lake Wildfire 

The Hubert Lake Wildfire is located 7 km west of Fawcett, 19 km north of the community of Vega, in the Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is approximately 2,855 hectares in size.

There has been no observed growth on the wildfire. The updated distance to the community of Fawcett reflects more recent mapping and assessment. Although there was some activity along the east perimeter earlier in the week, fire behaviour has remained low to moderate overall.

The fire has received little rain, and with warmer temperatures forecast for early next week, any moisture is expected to evaporate, resulting in a return to very dry conditions. Yesterday, there was some increased activity on the interior and east sides of the fire. Helicopters conducted strategic bucketing operations to wet these areas with good success.

The wildfire remains active, and conditions are expected to continue changing. Firefighters, supported by heavy equipment and helicopters, are concentrating on high-priority areas and hot spots to help contain the fire’s spread.

Crews will continue building and reinforcing containment lines along the south side of the fire, moving toward the west. Natural features, such as lakes and water bodies, are helping limit the wildfire’s spread on the north, east and west sides.

Additional resources from the Yukon and the United States are incoming to support ongoing efforts. Structural protection crews remain active in the area, focusing on properties within the evacuation zone.

The Hubert Lake Wildfire is part of the Swan Complex (SCX002), which also includes the Edith Lake Wildfire (SWF076). The Edith Lake Wildfire is in the Slave Lake Forest area. For more information, see the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update. For more information regarding the Swan Complex, contact Colby Lachance at (780) 286-4332 or [email protected]. 

Wildfire situation  

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 26 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 2,937 hectares. Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Smoky conditions

Smoke from surrounding wildfires may be visible and settling over our communities. Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. If you have smoke-related health concerns, call 811 or visit the Alberta Health website. 

Lightning-caused wildfires 

Lightning-caused wildfires are a common natural occurrence in Alberta. Lightning-caused wildfires can be deceptively delayed, sometimes taking days to become visible after the initial strike. When lightning hits a tree or dry vegetation, it can ignite a slow-burning fire deep within organic layers of soil or in the core of a tree, where it smolders quietly without producing visible flames or smoke.

FireSmart your home, farm and acreage

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers.  By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire.

Visit FireSmart Alberta for information on how to get your journey started. 

Contact info

Allanah McLean
403-418-5023
[email protected]