Whitecourt Forest Area

Whitecourt Forest Area - October 23, 2026

Wind warning 

Today, winds are forecasted to come from the northwest at 30 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Although the wind accompanies predicted rain and snowfall the risk of wildfires is always there. As a reminder, if the wind is gusting over 15 km/h or increases beyond the limit on your burn permit, immediately extinguish your fire. If you see any smoke or flame in the forest call 310-FIRE (3473). At this time of year we rely heavily on public reporting. Thank you for doing your part so that firefighters can action these fires quickly. 

Wildfire situation 

Since January 1, 2026 there have been 32 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area, burning approximately 157 hectares (ha). For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Now hiring 

A career with Alberta Wildfire is about more than fighting wildfires. Each season, we hire people with a wide range of skills, experience and backgrounds to support wildfire operations across the province. Opportunities include wildfire prevention, communications, dispatch, logistics, airtanker operations, lookout observers, warehouse and facilities support, data entry and more. Whether you are beginning your career, looking to build new skills or bringing years of experience to a new role, there may be a place for you on our team. 

Applications are now open for wildland firefighters for the 2027 wildfire season. Apply today! Support positions will be available soon.

Join Alberta Forestry at local events 

Woodlands County is inviting residents to join them at their free drop-in sessions featuring the topic of being an evacuee and what you need to know! 

• October 27 - Topland Community Hall, Fort Assiniboine from 6:30 - 9:30 pm 
• October 28 -  Forest Interpretive Centre, Whitecourt from 6:30 - 9:30 pm

No registration is required. Contact Woodlands County for more information: 780-778-8400. 

FireSmart tips for fall

As the leaves change colour and temperatures drop, fall is the perfect time to prepare your property for the winter months ahead. While wildfire season may feel like a distant concern, wildfire risk can persist into autumn when dry grass, fallen leaves and dead vegetation provide fuel for a fire.

Here are some practical tips you can tackle during the cooler months:

• Rake leaves and remove excess needle debris from coniferous trees 
• Clear leaves from eavestroughs and gutters on your property 
• Remove dead and down vegetation that may be directly around you home 
• Prune trees two meters from the bottom to remove low-hanging branches 

Need more tips for this fall? FireSmart Alberta is a good place to start your FireSmart journey! 

Hunting season 

If you're heading out into the forest to hunt and you're having a campfire, keep your campfires small, safe and always attended. Before leaving the site or going to bed, ensure your campfire is completely extinguished. Soak the fire with water, stir the ashes and soak it again to ensure it’s out. The fire is fully extinguished when you can no longer feel any heat from the ashes. If operating off-highway vehicles, stop often to check for and remove grass or other debris that can build up around your machine’s exhaust and hot spots. Carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail and extinguisher.

If you're going to burn it, get a 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.