The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is now moderate. Dead and dry vegetation can still ignite easily, and wind can cause a wildfire to spread quickly, even on a cool day. Please continue to use caution with any activity that could produce sparks or heat.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2026 there have been 29 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 157 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
FireSmart vegetation management in Schuman Lake Recreation Area
Schuman Lake Recreation Area will be fully closed from September 28 to October 2, while crews complete FireSmart vegetation management. The entrance will be blocked, as there will be no public access during this time. We appreciate your patience while this important work is underway to help improve the safety and enjoyment of the recreation area. For more information, please call 780-778-8400.
FireSmart vegetation management in Swan Hills
This fall, there may be smoke present in the area of Swan Hills from burning piles. These piles are located northwest of town, near the Swan Hills Cemetery and west of Highway 33. By removing excess flammable vegetation from around the community it can help to reduce the overall wildfire risk. Once the burn is complete, firefighters will patrol the area, extinguishing any remaining hot spots and return when required to ensure it's fully extinguished.
Recruitment open house
Are you interested in becoming a wildland firefighter with us for the upcoming season? Alberta Wildfire will be hosting a recruitment open house on October 16 (venue to be announced) from 3 to 8 pm. Wildfire staff will be in attendance to guide conversations and guests can test equipment that they will be working with everyday on the fireline. Other seasonal position staff will be there as well to cover any questions related to the support positions that are offered for the 2027 wildfire season.
Fall FireSmart and harvesting
Fall is a great time to complete FireSmart work around your home. Clear leaves, needles and twigs from roofs, gutters, decks and beneath stairs. Keep grass and weeds cut short, remove dead vegetation and fallen branches, and prune evergreen branches up to two metres from the ground. Move firewood, lumber and other combustible materials at least 10 metres away from your home.
Completing this work now will help prepare your property for spring, when dry vegetation and windy conditions can increase the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. A little fall cleanup can make your home and property more resilient to wildfire and leave you with fewer tasks when the snow melts.
For harvesting operations, you should inspect equipment regularly, keep moving parts lubricated, check fluid levels and carry a fire extinguisher, shovel and sufficient water. Avoid higher-risk activities during peak burning hours, around 2-5 pm. Hay baled with too much moisture can heat up during storage and potentially ignite without an outside spark. Check newly stored bales for unusual heat or a burning smell, and call 310 FIRE if you suspect a fire. You can learn more in the FireSmart Farm and Acreage guide.
Hunting season
If you're heading out into the forest to hunt and you're having a campfire, keep your campfires small, safe and always attended. Before leaving the site or going to bed, ensure your campfire is completely extinguished. Soak the fire with water, stir the ashes and soak it again to ensure it’s out. The fire is fully extinguished when you can no longer feel any heat from the ashes. If operating off-highway vehicles, stop often to check for and remove grass or other debris that can build up around your machine’s exhaust and hot spots. Carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail and extinguisher.
If you're going to burn it, get a permit
A fire permit is required for any burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), except for campfires. Permits are required during wildfire season, from March 1 to October 31. Fire permits are free and can be requested online or by calling 780-778-7166. As a reminder, if the wind is gusting over 15 km/h or increases beyond the limit on your permit, immediately extinguish your fire.
Contact info
Grande Prairie Area Information Coordinator
780-832-1546
[email protected]
Published on October 1, 2026 12:29 pm