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Very High wildfire danger
The fire danger remains very high. The area experienced isolated showers and did not receive widespread rain.
A wildfire will ignite very easily in these conditions and can quickly grow out of control. High temperatures and low humidity will cause intense fire behavior. Strong winds are expected later today, and a wildfire could move quickly under those conditions. Avoid all outdoor activities that have the potential to cause a fire from a spark, friction or hot exhaust.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 25 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 2,937 hectares (ha). Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Westlock County evacuation order
This alert is in effect for everyone in the Hubert Lake Wildfire Provincial Park area, on both sides of the Pembina River. Residents in the area must evacuate. For more information, visit the Alberta Emergency Alert webpage or download the app. You can also visit their webpage for updates from the municipality.
WWF023 Hubert Lake Wildfire
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 2,924 ha in size.
Airtankers assisted firefighters and heavy equipment yesterday building containment lines. Due to the hot, dry and windy conditions the fire was very active this yesterday and grew significantly. Today, firefighters are observing increasing fire behaviour as temperatures climb and relative humidity decreases.
Today, a high of 22C and 25% relative humidity is forecasted. Winds south southwest 15 gusting to 30 km/h may move active wildfire towards the north northeast. No precipitation is anticipated for the wildfire today.
Tonight, heavy equipment will continue building containment lines. Airtankers are available if requested but are currently actioning other wildfires in the province.
The Hubert Lake Wildfire is part of the Swan Complex (SCX002), which also includes the Edith Lake Wildfire (SWF076). The Edith Lake Wildfire is in the Slave Lake Forest area. For more information, see the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update. For more information regarding WWF023, contact Colby Lachance at (780) 286-4332 or [email protected].
WWF025
WWF025 is located 17 km northeast of Whitecourt, east of the Blue Ridge Haul Road. The wildfire is estimated to be 0.15 ha in size, classified as being held and caused by lightning. Firefighters are working to extinguish this wildfire.
Smoky 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.
Lightning-caused wildfires
Lightning-caused wildfires are a common natural occurrence in Alberta. Lightning-caused wildfires can be deceptively delayed, sometimes taking days to become visible after the initial strike. When lightning hits a tree or dry vegetation, it can ignite a slow-burning fire deep within organic layers of soil or in the core of a tree, where it smolders quietly without producing visible flames or smoke. These "holdover fires" can persist unnoticed, insulated by damp soil or dense vegetation, until weather conditions change—such as drier air or stronger winds—allowing the fire to surface and spread rapidly. This delayed ignition makes detection and response particularly challenging, increasing the risk of the fire growing out of control before it's even discovered.
The Whitecourt Forest Area has firefighters and equipment ready to respond for the anticipated increase in fire danger and thunderstorms in the forecast. Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Learn more about how to report a wildfire.
Fire ban
A fire ban is in effect for the northern and central regions of the Forest Protection Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the boundaries.
Contact info
Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on May 30, 2025 3:05 pm