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Very High wildfire danger
The fire danger level is very high in the Whitecourt Forest Area. We're expecting warmer temperatures for the next few days. Grass, leaves and other vegetation is dry 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). View active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the wildfire status dashboard.
Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076)
The Edith Lake wildfire was detected on the afternoon of May 25 and is located 8 km north of Swan Hills and 5 km west of highway 33. This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is 2,266 hectares (ha). 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.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for the majority of the Whitecourt Forest Area due to warm, windy and dry conditions.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits remain valid.
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
A fire restriction is in effect for the Swan Hills area and the area around the Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park.
For more information about the fire advisory and restriction please visit Alberta Fire Bans.
Report a wildfire
The forest area is expecting thunderstorms. Lightning could ignite a wildfire that has the potential to spread to trees.
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
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on May 27, 2025 11:25 am