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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 situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 23 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 613 hectares (ha). Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Wildfire west of Fawcett (WWF023)
Alberta Wildfire firefighters, supported by airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment are responding to wildfire WWF023. The wildfire is located 12 km west of Fawcett, 19 km north of the community of Vega, in the Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is approximately 600 ha in size.
Firefighters are currently assessing the wildfire, access is very limited in this area. Heavy equipment are on site preparing to work overnight operations. They will build containment lines to prevent the wildfire from spreading.
Tomorrow, crossover conditions are expected. This means that the temperature will be greater then the relative humidity which allows for intense fire behavior. The forecast tomorrow calls for 31C and 20% relative humidity with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Winds from the south 20 gusting to 40 km/h are expected which could move the wildfire towards the north.
Firefighters and heavy equipment are on site to begin night operations on WWF023 (May 28, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.).
Westlock County wildfire alert
The County of Westlock has issued a wildfire alert. Residents in the area should prepare for a possible evacuation. For more information, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert webpage or download the app. You can also visit their webpage for updates from the municipality.
Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076)
The Edith Lake wildfire was detected on May 25 and is located north of Swan Hills. For more information on this wildfire please visit the Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire update. An evacuation order remains in effect for the town of Swan Hills. For information on the evacuation order please visit Alberta Emergency Alert.
Smoke conditions
Smoke may be visible and settling over our communities. Visit firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. If you have smoke-related health concerns, call 811 or visit the Alberta Health website.
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.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in place for the Edson Forest Area. Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are still valid.
- New fire permit requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire
- Fireworks and exploding targets without written permission from a Forest Officer
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires
- Propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared style heaters
Fire restriction
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.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on May 28, 2025 10:00 pm