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Very High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is now very high in the Whitecourt Forest Area due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. This means that high-intensity fire behaviour is possible and wildfires will likely spread to treetops. The abundance of dry grass and vegetation can ignite easily and, once burning, will spread quickly.
Northern Alberta will experience strong, gusting winds over the coming days. Please use extreme caution while recreating or working in the Whitecourt Forest Area to reduce the risk of starting a new wildfire.
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 fire pits
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is needed. For more information visit Alberta Fire Bans.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 15 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 12.28 hectares (ha). Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Spring conditions
Spring is a critical time for wildfires as snow melts exposing dried grasses and dead vegetation. As temperatures continue to warm into the week these fine fuels continue to dry. They will ignite easily and any resulting fire can spread quickly.
Prevent wildfires
Spring wildfires are almost always human-caused. Please do your part and follow these tips to help prevent wildfires:
- Stop frequently when riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and check for debris around hot spots on your vehicle. Always carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail, and extinguisher.
- When towing a trailer ensure the safety chains are not dragging along the ground - dragging chains can cause sparks.
- Avoid parking in areas of tall grass as the heat from the vehicle's muffler can ignite dry grasses in a matter of minutes.
- Use industrial equipment safely, when welding or grinding make sure it is done away from dry grass and that a shovel and water source are on site.
- Farm equipment can be a high risk during of starting wildfires during spring conditions. Cleaning debris from hotspots and maintaining the equipment will decrease that risk.
Find wildfire information
Alberta Wildfire has an updated Wildfire Status Dashboard for 2025. This interactive map and display provide wildfire locations, statistics and more in one convenient location. This app is the best option to get real-time information on wildfires from your mobile device.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
Published on May 6, 2025 5:43 pm