Whitecourt Forest Area - May 30, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Wildfire situation  

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 26 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 continue to respond 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.

In the evening, increased fire activity was observed on the east side of the fire. Natural features, like water bodies and deciduous trees, continue to support containment efforts and limit the wildfire’s spread to the north and west sides. Crews were able to make good progress on building containment lines along the south side of the wildfire.

While the conditions this morning and mid-afternoon supported firefighting efforts, the situation remains dynamic. With warmer temperatures and strong winds expected tomorrow, including gusts up to 50 km/h, fire behaviour is expected to increase.

Structural protection crews remain active in the area, focusing on properties within the evacuation zone. Their work includes setting up high-volume sprinklers and other equipment designed to reduce the risk of wildfire reaching homes, buildings and critical infrastructure. Sourced from nearby water supplies, these systems help protect homes and infrastructure by keeping surrounding areas wet and reducing the risk of fire spread. 

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]. 

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.

Contact info

Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]

Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]