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High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger remains high in the Whitecourt Forest Area. With unseasonably warm temperatures and no rain in the forecast, wildfires can easily ignite and spread quickly. Be cautious when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area due to current wildfire hazard and forecasted weather conditions.
The continued warm temperatures create conditions where wildfires can start easily and spread quickly. Be cautious when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could potentially spark a wildfire.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are valid. Permit holders must follow all safe burning conditions outlined on the permit.
- New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis for essential burning only.
- Safe campfires are allowed.
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit is prohibited, except for campfires.
When operating machinery like off-highway vehicles or farm equipment, always carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, fire extinguisher and a pail.
Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure it is fully extinguished by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Fire Bans.
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 60 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area that have burned 2,795 hectares. There is currently 1 active wildfire burning in the Forest Area and 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.
Smoke in the area
Smoky conditions continue to persist in the area due to large wildfires in other parts of Canada, including the Northwest Territories and British Columbia. However, smoke is not being produced by any wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area.
Please call Health Link at 811 if you’re having respiratory problems due to smoke. Visit FireSmoke Canada to see where wildfire smoke is coming from.
Off-highway vehicle safety
When riding an off-highway vehicle (OHV) stop often and remove the debris that accumulates on your machine. Dry grass that is heated by your exhaust can start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
Harvesting operations
To operate safely in the forest area we recommend:
- Maintaining your equipment by continuously inspecting for any wear and tear
- Ensuring machine parts are well lubricated to reduce sparking potential
- Checking fluid levels on equipment like oil, coolant and other fluids to avoid overheating the engine components
- Stopping often to cool machines down during hot days
- Acknowledging that hay bales can spontaneously combust under hot and dry conditions. To avoid accidently starting a wildfire consider baling outside the peak burning hours of (3pm-7pm) as this is when wildfires are more likely to occur and spread quickly
- Always carry firefighting equipment with you like a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water vessel
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.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on September 12, 2025 4:40 pm