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Very High wildfire danger
The fire danger level is very high throughout the entire 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 west of Fawcett (WWF023)
Alberta Wildfire firefighters, supported by airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment are responding to wildfire WWF023, located 12 km west of Fawcett and 19 km north of the community of Vega. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is about 200 hectares (ha) in size.
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. This wildfire remains 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 and Whitecourt. Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. Weather conditions today 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 in the area 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 Alberta Emergency Alert.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 23 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 213 hectares (ha). Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
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 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. Learn more about how to report a wildfire.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on May 28, 2025 7:29 pm