Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
Very High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is very high in the Whitecourt Forest Area due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. A wildfire will ignite very easily in these conditions and can quickly grow out of control. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which will make firefighting challenging.
Please use extreme caution while recreating or working in the Whitecourt Forest Area to reduce the risk of starting a new wildfire. Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Learn more about how to report a wildfire.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 30 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 2,787 hectares. Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Hubert Lake Wildfire (WWF023)
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 approximately 2,773 hectares in size.
Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, this wildfire is now classified as being held. This means that, given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past existing boundaries.
There is a lot of work ahead to bring this fire under control. There are still hot spots within the interior that need to be extinguished. This will take time. The fire has burned deeply into the ground in some areas. Firefighters will continue working with the support of heavy equipment and helicopters to contain and put out remaining active areas.
The Hubert Lake Wildfire is part of the Swan Complex (SCX002), which also includes the Edith Lake Wildfire (SWF076) in the Slave Lake Forest Area. For details, visit the Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire update. For information on the Swan Complex, contact Colby Lachance at 780-286-4332 or [email protected].
WWF030
WWF030 is located 10 km southwest of Swan Hills and 4.5 km south of Freeman Lake. The wildfire is estimated to be 0.25 ha in size and classified as under control. Firefighters are working to extinguish this wildfire.
Fire ban
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 fire pits and backyard fire pits
- 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.
Smoky conditions
Smoke from surrounding fires 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.
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: $1,200
Unsure what activities are permitted in specific locations? Contact the Whitecourt forestry office 780-778-7153.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on June 6, 2025 5:27 pm