Website maintenance may cause short outages or slow response times from November 7 at 10 pm until November 9 at 5 pm.
Whitecourt Forest Area - November 07, 2025
Low wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Whitecourt Forest Area is low. Even in cooler conditions wildfires can still start. Be cautious while working or recreating in the forest area and always extinguish your campfire.
Wildfire situation
WWF066 was detected on November 1 and is approximately 9 hectares in size. It is now classified as under control. The fire is located 29 km southeast of Swan Hills and 7 km west of Highway 33. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire as needed.
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 67 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area that have burned 2,804 ha. Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory remains in effect.
Even with cooler temperatures, the wildfire risk remains high due to dry grass and low amounts of precipitation. Anyone operating equipment or recreating in the outdoors must use caution.
- Avoid burning on windy days, if gusts are over 15km/h you should immediately extinguish your fire.
- Keep burn piles small and manageable.
- Have equipment, water, and tools ready (hose, buckets, shovel).
Never leave a fire unattended. Stay until it’s fully extinguished and revisit your burn site for any large-scale burning. For more information please visit Alberta Fire Bans.
End of fire season
As of November 1, fire permits are no longer required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Wildfires can start anytime of year when conditions are right. Due to current conditions it is suggested that residents and industry wait until there is at least 15 cm of snow to start any burning projects.
To assist the forest area, please phone 780-778-7166 and leave a message if you're planning any large-scale burning. This prevents Forestry from dispatching firefighters to non-emergency wildfires. If you do see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473). Alberta Wildfire remains ready to respond to any new wildfire starts.
Follow our safe burning practices to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
Now hiring wildland firefighters
Applications are now open for the 2026 wildfire season. Positions are available for crew members and leaders on unit, helitack, and hoist crews. Learn more about recruitment and apply today.
WFX-FIT test open house - November 7
Whitecourt is hosting a fitness testing open house at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre on November 7 from 3:30-8 pm. Come and out and see what it takes to be a wildland firefighter in a supportive and calm environment. If you would like to guarantee a spot, please sign-up beforehand. These open houses are designed as a trial opportunity to take the test. Those who successfully pass the fitness test during an open house can use their results in place of the official test in January. Staff will also be available to answer questions about seasonal support positions.
Cooking and warming fires
Hunting season is underway, always ensure your campfires are made and extinguished 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.
Published on November 7, 2025 9:14 am
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Colby Lachance
780-286-4332
[email protected]