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Whitecourt Forest Area - May 16, 2026
Moderate wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is now moderate for the Whitecourt Forest Area is now moderate due to warm and dry conditions. Keep watch of your surroundings when working or recreating outdoors, especially when doing activities that can cause sparks, hot exhaust or friction.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2026 there have been 18 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 133 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
WWF017
Wildfire WWF017 is located in the area of West Ridge which is approximately 3.5 km southeast of the Town of Whitecourt and less than 1 km south of Highway 43. It is now classified as under control at 51 ha.
Over the next few days, residents may see firefighters working on private land, assessing and removing any danger trees they find. Residents should stay clear of any burnt areas as trees and roots could be damaged and fall at anytime
Please note that there will be helicopters monitoring the fire in the morning to look for active fire in the interior of the burned area.
May long weekend
The Whitecourt Forest Area encourages everyone spending time outdoors this long weekend to act responsibly. Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility.
If you are having a campfire, ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving your site. Annually, abandoned campfires account for a large portion of the human-caused wildfires in Alberta. These fires are preventable. Be sure to properly extinguish your campfire by soaking the area, stirring the ashes and soaking it again until it is cool to the touch.
When using off-highway vehicles, take care to avoid dry vegetation, as hot equipment can start a wildfire. Stop regularly to check for debris buildup.
Choose a safe campfire site
In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. The fire pit is designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire. When outside of a campground, choose a site that is clear of dry grass and vegetation, away from low hanging branches. Clear the site down to bare mineral soil, keep it sheltered from the wind and always have water nearby in case your campfire escapes.
When you're done, always soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch. Never leave your campfire unattended.
Get your free fire permit
A fire permit is required for any burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), except for campfires. Permits are required during wildfire season, from March 1 to October 31. Fire permits are free and can be requested online or by calling 780-778-7166. As a reminder, if the wind is gusting over 15 km/h or increases beyond the limit on your permit, immediately extinguish your fire.
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Fire advisory
A fire advisory remains in effect for 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.
Stay informed of fire advisories, restrictions and bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.
Published on May 16, 2026 1:31 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
Permits are required for all burning, except a campfire. Fire permits are free and available online.
Go back and check any winter burning projects to ensure they are fully extinguished. Fires can smoulder underground and reignite as a wildfire in the spring.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]