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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Whitecourt Forest Area - May 07, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Very High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is very high in the Whitecourt Forest Area due to hot, dry and windy conditions. This means that high-intensity fire behaviour is possible. Dry grass and vegetation can ignite easily and once burning, will spread quickly. Please use extreme caution while recreating or working in the Whitecourt Forest Area to reduce the risk of starting a new wildfire.

 

Fire ban

A fire ban is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are banned on all public lands, campgrounds and private land including backyard fire pits. Fire permits are suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued.

Prohibited: 

  • Outdoor wood fires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
  • Wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
  • Fireworks and exploding targets
  • Backyard firepits
  • Barbecue charcoal briquettes

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. For more information visit Alberta Fire Bans.

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 16 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 12.38 hectares (ha). Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on our wildfire status page.

Mutual aid wildfires

Alberta Wildfire is assisting with several wildfire that are located outside of the Whitecourt Forest Area.

  • Alberta Wildfire is assisting Westlock County with wildfire LCU006, which is located south of Fawcett. We have firefighters and a helicopter on scene. For more information on this wildfire, please visit Westlock County website.
  • Alberta Wildfire is also assisting Parkland County with wildfire WCU001, which is located north of Duffield. We have firefighters on scene. For more information on this wildfire, please visit Parkland County Website.

A mutual aid wildfire is a wildfire outside of the Forest Protection Area, typically within a municipal district or county. In these cases, Alberta Wildfire supports the lead agency—the local municipality or county—in managing and containing the fire.

Spring conditions

Spring is a critical time for wildfires as the snow melts and exposes dry and dead vegetation. As we experience warmer temperatures, the grass and other vegetation continues to dry out. Over the next several days, above normal temperatures, low humidity and strong winds are expected. In these conditions, dryness of fuels can result in wildfires growing quickly, especially in windy conditions. We have not had significant rainfall in the area to give any reprieve for the dry vegetation across the landscape.

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), 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, 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. Cleaning out debris from hot spots and regularly maintaining equipment will decrease the risk of starting a wildfire. 

Find wildfire information

We've updated the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. This interactive map and display provide 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. 

Contact info

Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]

Published on May 7, 2025 6:22 pm