Whitecourt Forest Area - June 10, 2025
The wildfire danger is very high in the Whitecourt Forest Area due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. A wildfire will ignite very easily in these conditions and can quickly grow out of control. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which will make firefighting challenging.
We urge residents, members of the public and industry to use extreme caution until conditions improve. Plan any activities that could create a spark, hot exhaust or friction late in the evening or early in the morning. Keep watch of your surroundings and carry sufficient firefighting equipment and water if you are working outdoors.
Fire ban
A fire ban is in effect for the Whitecourt Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated fire pits and backyard fire pits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the boundaries.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 31 wildfires in the Whitecourt forest area burning a total of approximately 2,787 hectares (ha). Learn more about wildfire status and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our wildfire status page.
Hubert Lake (WWF023)
The Hubert Lake Wildfire is located 7 km west of Fawcett, 19 km north of the community of Vega, in the Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park. The wildfire is approximately 2,773 hectares in size.
Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, this wildfire is now classified as being held. This means that, given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past existing boundaries.
There is a lot of work ahead to bring this fire under control. There are still hot spots within the interior that need to be extinguished. This will take time. The fire has burned deeply into the ground in some areas. Firefighters will continue working with the support of helicopters to contain and put out remaining active areas.
Wildfire activity increased yesterday due to windy conditions. Firefighters worked on areas within the interior of the fire and were supported with bucketing helicopters on. Despite the wind, the wildfire did not grow.
Today, firefighters are focusing on the north and southeast sides of the fire as they look for hot spots and work with bucketing helicopters to cool them. Firefighters are focused on areas closest to the perimeter to prevent spread.
Due to the increase in temperatures and gusty winds in the last few days smoke will be visible from within the interior of WWF023. Alberta Wildfire will continue to monitor and action areas of increased activity as needed.
Smoke
To view smoke forecasts and see the source, visit FireSmoke Canada. If you have health concerns, visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 to speak with a registered nurse through Alberta Health Link.
Report wildfires
We are expecting moderate winds in the area. If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it is a new wildfire please call 310-FIRE (3473). Learn more about reporting wildfires.
Published on June 10, 2025 1:15 pm
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
colby.lachance@gov.ab.ca