The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is low. Wildfires can still start in cool, damp conditions. Be cautious if you’re spending time outdoors and do your part to prevent wildfires.
End of wildfire season
October 31 marks the end of the 2026 wildfire season.
As of November 1, fire permits are no longer required in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. However, wildfires can start any time of year when conditions are dry, remember to follow safe burning practices to prevent human-caused wildfires. Residents planning to conduct a burn should contact their local municipality, as permit or notification requirements may still apply.
Wildfire updates will be provided over the winter months only if required. Regular updates will resume for the 2027 wildfire season.
Whitecourt wildfire season recap
Since January 1, 2026 there have been 33 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 157 hectares (ha).
Due to record breaking rain, our wildfire season at home was quieter than what we have experienced in the last few years. Many of our staff were exported to help other provinces and countries that needed it. We're thankful to return the favour.
As another wildfire season comes to a close, we want to take a moment to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our partners who supported Alberta Wildfire throughout the wildfire season and specifically in response to WWF017. This wildfire affected residents in Westridge Estates in early May. Strong partnerships are essential to wildfire management, and we are grateful for the relationships we continue to build and strengthen each season.
It is too early to tell what next season will bring, please be mindful of any burning you conduct over the winter months. You may not need a permit after October 31 but you should only burn what you can control. We recommend you wait until there is at least 15 cm of snow on the ground. Be mindful of the weather to make sure smoke from your burn won’t negatively impact the surrounding areas or restrict visibility on the roads. Alberta Wildfire remains ready to respond to any new wildfire starts.
Now hiring
A career with Alberta Wildfire is about more than fighting wildfires. Each season, we hire people with a wide range of skills, experience and backgrounds to support wildfire operations across the province. Opportunities include wildfire prevention, communications, dispatch, logistics, airtanker operations, lookout observers, warehouse and facilities support, data entry and more. Whether you are beginning your career, looking to build new skills or bringing years of experience to a new role, there may be a place for you on our team.
Applications are now open for wildland firefighters for the 2027 wildfire season. Apply today! Support positions will be available soon.
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.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]
Published on October 30, 2026 2:01 pm