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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.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 22 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.
Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076)
The Edith Lake wildfire was detected May 25 and is located about 7-8 km north of Swan Hills and 3 km west of highway 33. This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and estimated to be 2000 hectares (ha) in size. The wildfire is in the Slave Lake Forest Area but smoke is visible from the Town of Swan Hills. For more information on this wildfire please visit the Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire update.
An evacuation order has been issued for the Town of Swan Hills. For information on active alerts, please visit Alberta Emergency Alert.
Due to smoke causing poor visibility, Highway 33 has been closed. Visit 511 Alberta for the most up to date information.
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.
Report a wildfire
The forest area has firefighters and equipment ready to respond for the anticipated increase in fire danger and thunderstorms in the forecast. Wildfires may ignite from lighting and spread to trees. Many of our wildfires are detected by lookout observers and members of the public and industry.
Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Here's what you need to tell us:
- Where is the wildfire? Provide a description using road names, gps locations or legal land descriptions.
- How the fire is burning? Is it burning grass? Trees? Is it on agricultural land?
- How fast is it spreading? Is it stationary? Is it slower or faster than a normal walking speed?
- What colour is the smoke? Is it light grey or dark grey to black?
Learn more about how to report a wildfire.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]
Published on May 26, 2025 7:24 pm