Weather conditions and snow levels can influence conditions for a wildfire to occur, even in the winter months. Keep in mind that safe burning practices are always in season.
Fire permits are no longer required until March 1. Monitor the weather forecast to manage smoke impacts on nearby communities and transportation corridors. Check your winter burns often and ensure they're fully extinguished.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
SEASONAL POSITIONS
Multiple 2025 seasonal positions have become available to apply on our website. More positions will continue to become available, please check back throughout the coming weeks.
WINTER BURNING
Fire permits are no longer required until March 1 but please keep safe winter burning practices in mind. These practices include:
- Carefully select your burn site and do not burn until you have good snow cover in the area.
- Check weather conditions and refrain from burning when an inversion is in place or is forecasted.
- Actively manage burn projects to reduce total burning time.
- Burn debris in stages so that you can adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce smoke.
- Ensure you have the right tools, water and equipment on hand to keep the burn under control.
- Consult your local municipality on how to safely undertake larger winter burning projects near communities or roads.
If you're conducting any large-scale residential or industry burning feel free to reach out to the Whitecourt office and let us know, 780-778-7153. This is not a requirement but it can help our staff keep track of burning on the landscape.
Find more information on winter burning.
WHAT IS AN INVERSION?
An inversion happens when cold air is trapped near the ground by warmer air. The cool air near the surface cannot escape upwards. This creates a layer in which smoke from winter burning is trapped along the ground surface as it cannot mix out and rise.
Ensure you have proper smoke signage if you are burning near a roadway. Try to burn in stages to minimize smoke.
SMOKE CONCERNS
If you have any health concerns related to smoke in the area please call 811 or visit the air quality health index for more information.
Be mindful of the weather and avoid burning when an inversion is in place as it can keep smoke laying low around communities and roadways.
GET YOUR TREE HARVESTING PERMIT
Personal Use Forest Products Permits (PUFPP) are for small-scale personal use only (no resale) for firewood and transplants. These free permits are available online or in person at your nearest forestry office.
PUFPPs authorize Albertans to cut and removed timber from designated Crown land only. The area-specific PUFPP document must be with you at all times while cutting or transporting trees from Crown land. In one 30-day period, a person can hold up to four permits – up to one permit each for: firewood, Christmas trees, roundwood and transplants.
FIRESMART
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day gives neighbourhoods and communities the opportunity to receive a $500 award from FireSmart Canada, along with an event kit to help make your event a huge success. Starting a FireSmart conversation in your community can feel overwhelming at first, but Wildfire Prep Day is designed to help you begin your FireSmart journey or continue the incredible work you’re already doing.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Apply for your chance to receive $500 to support a FireSmart event within your community. Applications are now open until Jan 31, 2025!
LOCAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Subscribe to Whitecourt Forest Area updates to receive an email notification when new information is posted.
Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices. Once you open the app, click the "i" icon at the bottom left to view the latest forest area updates.
For more information, please contact:
403-418-5023
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
Social media:
Apps: