Whitecourt Forest Area

Whitecourt Forest Area - October 07, 2026

Wildfire situation 

Since January 1, 2026 there have been 29 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.

FireSmart vegetation management 

Schuman Lake Recreation Area

Schuman Lake Recreation Area is now open to the public but work continues. Crews will be along roadways and campsites removing trees and brush for important FireSmart work. Please avoid where crews are actively working and be mindful of equipment in the area. We appreciate your patience while this important work is underway to help improve the safety and enjoyment of the recreation area. For more information, please call 780-778-8400.

Swan Hills 

This fall, there may be smoke present in the area of Swan Hills from burning piles. These piles are located northwest of town, near the Swan Hills Cemetery and west of Highway 33. By removing excess flammable vegetation from around the community it can help to reduce the overall wildfire risk. Once the burn is complete, firefighters will patrol the area, extinguishing any remaining hot spots and return when required to ensure it's fully extinguished. 

Recruitment open house 

Are you interested in becoming a wildland firefighter with us for the upcoming season? Alberta Wildfire will be hosting a recruitment open house on October 16 at the Allan and Jean Millar Centre from 3 to 8 pm. Wildfire staff will be in attendance to guide conversations and guests can test equipment that they will be working with every day on the fireline. Other seasonal position staff will be present as well to cover any questions related to the support positions that are offered for the 2027 wildfire season. 

Applications are now open for wildland firefighters for the 2027 wildfire season. Apply today! 

Fall FireSmart and harvesting

Fall is a great time to complete FireSmart work around your home. Clear leaves, needles and twigs from roofs, gutters, decks and beneath stairs. Keep grass and weeds cut short, remove dead vegetation and fallen branches, and prune evergreen branches up to two metres from the ground. Move firewood, lumber and other combustible materials at least 10 metres away from your home.

Completing this work now will help prepare your property for spring, when dry vegetation and windy conditions can increase the risk of wildfires starting and spreading quickly. A little fall cleanup can make your home and property more resilient to wildfire and leave you with fewer tasks when the snow melts.

For harvesting operations, you should inspect equipment regularly, keep moving parts lubricated, check fluid levels and carry a fire extinguisher, shovel and sufficient water. Avoid higher-risk activities during peak burning hours, around 2 to 5 pm. Hay baled with too much moisture can heat up during storage and potentially ignite without an outside spark. Check newly stored bales for unusual heat or a burning smell, and call 310 FIRE if you suspect a fire. You can learn more in the FireSmart Farm and Acreage guide.

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.