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Moderate wildfire danger
Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have dropped the wildfire danger across the Whitecourt Forest Area to moderate. If a wildfire starts, we are expecting low intensity behaviour that is easy to contain. Despite the lower fire danger, a wildfire can start in any conditions. Please continue to use caution when working and recreating outdoors.
Although the weather has changed, a fire ban is still in effect as warmer and dry conditions are expected to increase throughout the weekend.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 16 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 12 hectares (ha). Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
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.
Hazard-reduction burns
Forest officers, supported by firefighters and working closely with local authorities, are conducting hazard-reduction burns in the community of Fox Creek this weekend. These controlled burns, which are conducted under close supervision, are to reduce the amount of dry—and potentially very flammable—vegetation around the community. For more information visit Hazard Reduction Burn.
Mutual aid wildfires
Alberta Wildfire is assisting with several wildfires 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 weekend, high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds are expected. In these conditions, dryness of fuels can result in wildfires growing quickly.
Please use caution while recreating or working in the Whitecourt Forest Area. It is important that everyone does their part to prevent unnecessary human-caused fires.
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 9, 2025 10:53 am