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Very High wildfire danger
The fire danger level is very high throughout the Whitecourt Forest Area due to hot, dry and windy conditions. 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 13 hectares (ha). Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076)
The Edith Lake wildfire was detected on May 25 and is located 8 km north of Swan Hills. This wildfire is classified as out of control and is 3,629 hectares (ha). The wildfire is in the Slave Lake Forest Area, but smoke is visible from the Town of Swan Hills. Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. Weather conditions are expected to increase fire activity. For more information on this wildfire please visit the Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire update.
On May 27, the wildfire crossed Highway 33, which remains closed at this time. Today, crews are focusing on containing the southeast side of the wildfire where it crossed the highway. Visit 511 Alberta for the most up to date information on road closures.
An evacuation order remains in effect for the town of Swan Hills. For information on the evacuation order, please visit Albert Emergency Alert.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for most 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 Whitecourt Forest Area has firefighters and equipment ready to respond to any new wildfires. Many wildfires are detected by lookout observers and members of the public.
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 is the fire 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 28, 2025 2:59 pm