Whitecourt Forest Area

Whitecourt Forest Area - February 27, 2026

Fire season starts March 1 

In Alberta, fire season isn’t about when wildfires start — fires can happen at any time of year. It’s the legal time period when a permit is required for all burning, with the exception of a campfire. During fire season, fire bans, restrictions, and advisories are tools that can be used when the risk of wildfire increases. It’s also when Alberta Forestry ramps up hiring seasonal staff, and ensures aircraft and heavy equipment contracts are in place to support wildfire response to help protect communities across the province.

Get your fire permit

Starting March 1, a fire permit is required for any burning within the Forest Protection Area (FPA), with the exception of a campfire. Permits are required during wildfire season, from March 1 to October 31. Fire permits ensure safe burning practices and allow staff to know where burning is approved so firefighters and aircraft are free to fight wildfires.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online or by calling the Whitecourt Forest Area office at 780-778-7153, Monday to Friday between 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. Keep in mind that there may be a slight delay in getting your fire permit due to the high demand at the beginning of the fire season. We thank you for your patience. 

Check your winter burns

To prevent spring wildfires, revisit your brush pile or windrow burning projects to ensure all hot spots are extinguished prior to fire season. 
•    Spread out the remaining material.
•    Soak the area and ensure there is no heat or smoke.
•    Extinguish any areas still burning and ensure that they are cool to the touch.
•    Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
•    If there are any signs of active burning after March 1, please contact the Whitecourt Forest Area office.

Upcoming season

It’s too early to predict the 2026 wildfire season. Conditions depend on snowpack, how fast it melts, and how much rain we receive this spring. Snowfall helps, but dry conditions that were observed in the fall remain a concern. These long-term drought conditions we’ve experienced in our forest area could cause an increase in fire danger more quickly this season. 

Spring is a high-risk time for wildfires. Once snow melts, dry grass can fuel fast-moving fires during warm, dry, or windy periods. These conditions will only improve once sufficient spring rain falls and new, green vegetation emerges. 

FireSmart 

FireSmart your home, your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Taking proactive FireSmart steps around your house and yard will increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire. 

Download the Farm and Acreage Guide to Reducing the Risk From Wildfire for additional information.