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Moderate wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for the Whitecourt Forest Area is moderate. Wildfires can start and spread in cooler conditions but are less likely to become severe if detected quickly.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction remains in effect for parts of the Whitecourt Forest Area, with updated boundaries now in place. Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to see a map of the impacted area.
Under this restriction:
- No new burn permits will be issued.
- All current fire permits issued are suspended until further notice. This includes burn barrels and incinerators.
- All outdoor fires presently burning, whether set under the authority of a fire permit or not, are required to be extinguished.
Prohibited:
- Outdoor wood fires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire on private land
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes on public land in the backcountry and in random camping areas
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
- Backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes on private land and in provincial campgrounds
- Propane fire pits and natural gas powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
Fire advisory
A fire advisory remains in effect for parts of the Whitecourt Forest Area, with updated boundaries now in place. Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to see a map of the impacted area.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are valid, but extension requests may not be granted.
- New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
- Safe campfires are allowed.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 64 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area that have burned 2,795 hectares. There is one active wildfire burning in the Forest Area and it is classified as under control.
Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Cooking and warming fires
Hunting season is now underway. Remember, under a fire restriction, campfires are not allowed in random backcountry camping areas. If you are in an area permitted to have a campfire (such as on private land), ensure you are doing so safely:
- Build campfires in safe areas, clear of grass, twigs and leaves.
- Keep fires small and never leave them unattended.
- Extinguish your campfire before going to bed or leaving the site. Soak it, stir it and soak it again.
- A fire is out only when no heat remains in the ashes.
FireSmart
Even the small steps can make a big difference. Keep your grass well-maintained to 10 cm or less. Dry grass can be hazardous not just in the spring, but in late fall and winter as well. Under the right weather conditions, with high winds and no snow cover, grass fires any time of year can spread quickly and threaten farms, ranches and acreages. To start your FireSmart journey visit FireSmart Alberta.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]
Published on October 3, 2025 2:46 pm