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Moderate wildfire danger
The average wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is now moderate. Scattered rainfall across the area has helped to lower the overall wildfire danger, however the risk remains elevated in areas that have not received any rain. At this time of year, vegetation will continue to dry out, increasing the risk of fast moving wildfires. A fire restriction remains in place for the forest area. Be cautious when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area due to current wildfire hazard and forecasted weather conditions.
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
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the restriction area on a map.
Wildfire Situation
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 64 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.
Prevent wildfires
Hunting season
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.
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.
Farming and agricultural equipment
Agricultural equipment can inadvertently start a wildfire. 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
Read the FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide to learn more about farm fire safety.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on September 24, 2025 3:39 pm