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High wildfire danger
Cooler temperatures have dropped the wildfire danger across the Whitecourt Forest Area to high. Should a wildfire occur, moderate to intense fire behaviour is expected. Firefighting efforts may be challenging with the forecasted windy and gusty conditions for the rest of the weekend. Please remember that although the weather has changed, a fire ban is still in effect as warmer and dry conditions are expected to increase over the next several days.
The Whitecourt Forest Area has firefighters and equipment ready to respond for the anticipated increase in fire danger and thunderstorms in the forecast.
Please use extreme caution while recreating or working in the Whitecourt Forest Area to reduce the risk of starting a new wildfire. If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
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
The Hubert Lake 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.
Firefighters made good progress today reinforcing containment lines on the south side of the wildfire, supported by heavy equipment. Containment lines are designed to help prevent wildfire spread, but under windy conditions, the fire can still spot across these barriers. Helicopters conducted targeted bucketing operations on the east side to manage hot spots. Cooler temperatures provided favourable conditions for suppression efforts.
While current conditions are supportive, the wildfire remains active and the situation continues to evolve. Crews remain focused on priority areas and hot spots to help prevent further spread.
Structural protection crews remain active in the area, focusing on properties within the evacuation zone.
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].
Hubert Lake Wildfire, May 31 at 12 pm, showing low fire activity. While conditions are currently calm, fire behaviour can change quickly with shifting weather.
Smoky conditions
Smoke from surrounding wildfires 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.
FireSmart your home, farm and acreage
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow.
Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire.
Visit FireSmart Alberta for information on how to get your journey started.
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 31, 2025 8:02 pm