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High wildfire danger
The average wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area remains high. Recent rainfall in the western portion of the forest area has reduced the wildfire risk in those areas, which has lead to a fire advisory being put into effect. Despite cooler conditions, wildfires can still start and spread in dry vegetation and windy conditions. As a result, a fire restriction remains in place in other parts of the forest area where conditions continue to pose an elevated wildfire risk.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction remains in effect for the eastern portion of the Whitecourt Forest Area due to current wildfire hazard and forecasted weather conditions. Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to see map details 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 is in effect for the western portion of the Whitecourt Forest Area.
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.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the advisory 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 1 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.
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.
Report wildfires
If you see smoke or flames in a forested area, call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
Your call could be the reason firefighters get there faster and keep a small fire from becoming a large one. The public plays a key role in wildfire detection—early reports make a big difference.
Contact info
Jacquie Dewar
780-268-5175
[email protected]
Published on September 26, 2025 3:41 pm