Whitecourt Forest Area - May 27, 2025
The fire danger level is very high throughout the entire Whitecourt Forest Area due to hot, dry and windy conditions. Grass, leaves and other vegetation will quickly dry out and could fuel a fast-moving wildfire. Please use caution if you are spending time or working outside.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025 there have been 22 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area burning a total of 13.24 hectares (ha). Learn more about active wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
The Edith Lake wildfire was detected on the afternoon of May 25 and is located 8 km north of Swan Hills. This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is 2,266 hectares (ha). The wildfire is in the Slave Lake Forest Area but smoke is visible from the Town of Swan Hills. For more information on this wildfire please visit the Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire update.
This afternoon, due to windy conditions the fire intensity increased on the east side of the wildfire and it has crossed highway 33. Highway 33 remains closed. Visit 511 Alberta for the most up to date information on road closures
An evacuation order remains in effect for the town of Swan Hills. For information on the evacuation order please visit Alberta Emergency Alert.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for the majority of the Whitecourt Forest Area due to warm, windy and dry conditions.
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits remain valid.
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
A fire restriction is in effect for the Swan Hills area and the area around the Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park.
For more information about the fire advisory and restriction please visit Alberta Fire Bans.
Report a wildfire
The forest area has firefighters and equipment ready to respond for the anticipated increase in fire danger and thunderstorms in the forecast. Wildfires may ignite from lighting and spread to trees. Many of our wildfires are detected by lookout observers and members of the public and industry.
Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Here's what you need to tell us:
- Where is the wildfire? Provide a description using road names, gps locations or legal land descriptions.
- How is the fire burning? Is it burning grass? Trees? Is it on agricultural land?
- How fast is it spreading? Is it stationary? Is it slower or faster than a normal walking speed?
- What colour is the smoke? Is it light grey or dark grey to black?
Learn more about how to report a wildfire.
Published on May 27, 2025 9:56 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