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Moderate wildfire danger
Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have lowered the wildfire danger across the Whitecourt Forest Area to moderate. A fire ban is still in effect as warmer and drier weather is expected to return later this week. Vegetation is expected to quickly dry out and the fire danger and wildfire risk will increase.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Westlock County evacuation order
The evacuation order for Hubert Lake Provincial Park area remains in effect. For more information, visit Alberta Emergency Alert or download the app. Updates are also available on the Westlock County website.
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. The change in size is a result of more accurate mapping.
No growth was observed on the wildfire yesterday. Cooler temperatures and scattered rain have helped firefighting efforts, but significantly more rain is needed. Warmer weather is forecast for this week, and much of the recent moisture is expected to evaporate, resulting in a return to very dry conditions.
Firefighters, supported by heavy equipment and helicopters, are focusing on extinguishing hot spots in priority areas. Crews 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.
Structural protection crews are still working in the area.
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].
Overall 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 Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Fire ban
A fire ban is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the boundaries.
Not worth the risk
Respecting the regulations around the use of fire in the Forest Protection Area helps prevent wildfires and protect live, homes, livelihoods and landscapes.
The Forest and Prairie Protection Act outlines hefty fines for those who do not follow the rules:
- Burning without a permit: $350
- Leaving a campfire unattended: $600
- Starting a fire during a fire ban: $600
- Setting off explosives/fireworks in the forest protection area: $600
- Operating an OHV during a ban or closure: $1200
Unsure what activities are permitted in specific locations? Contact the Whitecourt forestry office 780-778-7153 or the Area Information Coordinator.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on June 2, 2025 1:45 pm