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Moderate wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is moderate and will continue to increase as the snow melts exposing dry, dead grass that can ignite and spread easily.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2026 there have been 12 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 63 hectares. For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
WWF012
WWF012 was detected May 2 and is now being held at 60 hectares (ha) in size. The wildfire is located approximately 5.1 km south of the hamlet of Blue Ridge and approximately 1 km west of highway 658. Smoke may be visible along the highway and from nearby communities.
Two night vision equipped helicopters actioned the wildfire overnight and made good progress for firefighting crews. Crews arrived early this morning to continue operations and extinguish hotspots. Helicopters are also assisting firefighters with suppression efforts and airtankers are available as requested.
Weather is expected to be cooler today at 18°C with a mix of sun and cloud but windy conditions continue with winds blowing northwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h in the afternoon.
WCU001
WCU001 is a mutual aid wildfire. Alberta Wildfire is assisting the leading agency with a wildfire in the community of Sandy Beach.
There is an Alberta Emergency Alert due to the wildfire in Sandy Beach. For up-to-date information for any potential road closures visit 511 Alberta.
Get your fire permit
A fire permit is required for any burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), except for campfires. Permits are required during wildfire season, from March 1 to October 31. Fire permits are free and can be requested online or by calling 780-778-7166.
When requesting your permit, you should have the following information ready:
- Name of landowner or company, and a representative
- Contact phone number
- Legal land description or latitude/longitude
- Burn material information
- Photos of the proposed burn materials and location can be helpful to include.
As a reminder, if the wind is gusting over 15 km/h or increases beyond the limit on your permit, immediately extinguish your fire.
Hazard reduction burning
Alberta Forestry may be working alongside municipal fire departments with a hazard reduction burn in the next few weeks if conditions allow. The burn will be located west of highway 658 and south of the Athabasca River. Residents and highway traffic may see large columns of smoke north of Blue Ridge. The burn would reduce the overall wildfire risk in the area by removing dead and dry grass and other flammable vegetation. Once the burn is complete, firefighters will patrol the area, extinguishing any remaining hot spots and return when required to ensure it's fully extinguished.
Seeking your input
Forest area updates are an important way we share the latest information with Albertans. We’ve developed a short survey to determine if the updates are meeting your needs. Share your thoughts today.
Join Alberta Forestry at a nearby event
Join Alberta Forestry to learn about wildfire prevention, operations and FireSmart recommendations. Stay tuned for more upcoming events.
- Fox Creek Emergency Preparedness BBQ May 7
- Whitecourt Trade Show at the Whitecourt Twin Arenas on May 23-24
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]
Published on May 3, 2026 10:42 am