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Very High wildfire danger
The fire danger level is very high throughout the entire Whitecourt Forest Area. We're expecting warmer temperatures for the next few days. Grass, leaves and other vegetation will quickly dry out and could fuel a fast-moving wildfire. Please use caution if you are spending time or working outside.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE(3473).
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 21 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 12 hectares (ha). Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Wildfire SWF076 was detected May 25 and is located about 8 km north of Swan Hills and 5 km west of highway 33. This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and estimated to be 1606 hectares (ha) in size. The wildfire is in the Slave Lake Forest Area but smoke is visible from both the Town of Swan Hills and Whitecourt. For more information on this wildfire please visit the Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire update.
A one-hour evacuation notice has now been issued for the town of Swan Hills. For information on active alerts, please visit Alberta Emergency Alert.
Check 511 Alberta for any potential road closures in the area.
Are you prepared?
While we just celebrated Emergency Preparedness Week earlier this month, it's always a good idea to be prepared for any type of emergency. For more details on how you can be ready visit emergency preparedness.
Alberta Fire Bans
The majority of the Whitecourt Forest Area is free from any fire bans with the exception of the Swan Hills area that is now under a fire restriction. To view more information specific to your location please visit Alberta Fire Bans.
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. Get your fire permit online. 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 26, 2025 1:26 pm