Wildfire burning just south of Whitecourt has forced an evacuation order for part of Woodlands County, with residents in the affected area told to leave immediately.
Woodlands County said the evacuation order applies to residents south of Highway 43, from the West Ridge subdivision east to and including Range Road 111. The wildfire is burning south of Highway 43 near Range Road 114, just outside Whitecourt.
For readers unfamiliar with the area, Whitecourt is in north-central Alberta along Highway 43, northwest of Edmonton. It is a major stop on the route between Edmonton and northwestern Alberta.
Residents Told to Leave Immediately
Everyone inside the evacuation area is being told to leave now. Residents should take pets, important documents, medication, and other essentials before leaving.
Evacuees are being directed to register at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre in Whitecourt.
The evacuation area includes the West Ridge subdivision and nearby rural properties south of Highway 43. The Town of Whitecourt has said there is no evacuation order or advisory for residents inside the town itself, but people in the area should continue monitoring official updates.
Fire Burning Close to Highway 43
The location of the fire is important because it is close to Highway 43, a major route through north-central Alberta.
The wildfire is burning just south of the highway near Range Road 114. That places it immediately south of Whitecourt and close to a busy corridor used by residents, workers, and travellers moving between Edmonton, Whitecourt, and northwestern Alberta.
Whitecourt Area Already Facing High Wildfire Risk
The evacuation comes as the Whitecourt Forest Area is already facing elevated wildfire risk.
Alberta Wildfire has reported high wildfire danger across much of the Whitecourt Forest Area, with dry grass and vegetation able to catch easily and burn quickly, especially when winds pick up.
As of the latest Alberta Wildfire update, there have been 15 wildfires in the Whitecourt Forest Area so far in 2026.
This fire is also not the only recent wildfire near Whitecourt. Another wildfire northeast of town was detected on May 10 near Blue Ridge Haul Road, while a separate fire detected May 2 had already burned dozens of hectares before being brought under control.
Fire Advisory Still in Place
Woodlands County remains under a fire advisory, with officials urging residents to use caution outdoors and avoid anything that could spark another fire.
This is still an active situation. Residents should follow official updates from Woodlands County, Alberta Emergency Alert, Alberta Wildfire, and the Town of Whitecourt before returning to the area or travelling near the evacuation zone.
Sources
Woodlands County
Alberta Emergency Alert
Alberta Wildfire
Town of Whitecourt
