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Moderate wildfire danger
The wildfire danger across most of the Whitecourt Forest Area is moderate. If a wildfire starts, we are expecting low intensity behaviour that is easy to contain. However, the Swan Hills area has increased to high fire danger due to the dry conditions and lack of precipitation. Despite the lower fire danger for the majority of the region we are reminding residents that a wildfire can start in any conditions. Please continue to use caution when working and recreating outdoors.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473).
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 17 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.
May long weekend
Alberta Forestry encourages all Albertans to celebrate responsibly this long weekend. When enjoying the outdoors, remember to do your part to prevent wildfires. Campfires account for the highest percentage of human-caused wildfires. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable. Help us out by fully extinguishing your campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.
We wish everyone a fun and safe weekend!
Alberta Fire Bans
The majority of the Whitecourt Forest Area lifted the fire ban earlier this week with the exception of the Swan Hills area. To view more information specific to your location please 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 today. Smoke may be visible from Highway 43. 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 burns.
Get your free fire permit
As of March 1, fire permits are required for all burning within the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of campfires. To get your fire permit online you can visit our website. If you require assistance, contact the Whitecourt Forest Area office at 780-778-7153 from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Please only burn debris under the conditions outlined on your fire permit. It is recommended that if the winds are gusting over 15 km/h or increase beyond the limit on your permit, immediately extinguish your fire.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]
Published on May 16, 2025 1:01 pm