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 across the Whitecourt Forest Area is very high. Wildfires are expected to start very easily due to the winds we are expecting today and into the weekend. If a wildfire were to occur under these conditions, intense fire behaviour is expected. Please use caution if you are recreating outside this weekend.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 11 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 12.06 hectares (ha). Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Dry vegetation that could easily ignite and spread quickly if a wildfire were to occur.
Spring conditions
Spring is a critical time for wildfires as the snow melts and exposes dry and dead vegetation. As we continue to experience warm temperatures, the grass and other vegetation dries out becoming highly flammable. These conditions can influence a wildfire's behavior to increase in intensity if one does occur.
Today and into the weekend we are anticipating high temperatures and winds of approximately 35 km/h from the south. In these conditions, a wildfire can start and spread easily. We have not had significant rainfall in the area to give any reprieve for the dry vegetation across the landscape.
Please use extreme caution while recreating or working in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Prevent wildfires
Spring wildfires are almost always human-caused. Please do your part and follow these tips to help prevent wildfires:
- To ensure you are being safe while operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) you should stop frequently to remove debris from hot spots on your vehicle. Always carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail and extinguisher.
- Before towing any piece of equipment such as a trailer, always ensure your safety chains are not dragging on the pavement. Dragging chains can cause sparks.
- Avoid parking in areas of tall grass as the heat from your vehicle’s muffler can ignite dry grass.
- Use industrial equipment safely, if you plan on using any spark producing machines like welding or grinding you should always work away from dry grass and have a shovel and water source on hand.
- Farming equipment can be high risk in current conditions but by cleaning out debris from hot spots and regularly maintaining equipment it will decrease the risk of starting a wildfire.
Find wildfire information
We've updated the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. This interactive map and display provides wildfire locations, statistics and more in one convenient location. The AB Wildfire Status app remains the best option to view wildfire information on a mobile device.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands.
Prohibited:
- Outdoor wood fires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire on private land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
- Backyard firepits
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required. For more information visit Alberta Fire Bans.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]
Published on May 2, 2025 3:15 pm