HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 AT 4:30 PM
There are five wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, two are classified as Being Held (BH) and three are Under Control (UC). For more information or to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit Wildfire Status | AAF - Agriculture and Forestry (alberta.ca).
Since January 1st, 2022 in the High Level Forest Area (HLFA), there have been 98 wildfires burning a total of 20,335 hectares.
SMOKEY CONDITIONS
There is smoke drifting into the High Level Forest Area from fires burning in the Northwest Territories. To see a map showing where the smoke is coming from please check out firesmoke.ca.
FARM EQUIPMENT CAN START WILDFIRES
There have been a few farm equipment fires in the High Level Forest Area due to hot debris building up on equipment and sparking a wildfires. Remember to stop frequently and check your equipment and clean any debris build up to help prevent a wildfire.
BURN IT WITH A PERMIT
Firefighters have been responding to an increase in permit related fires this past week. Due to an increase in permit holders not ensuring their fires are extinguished. Anyone who has a permit or a recently expired permit please remember to inspect your burn site and ensure the fire is completely out.
From March 1st to October 31st, a fire permit is required for any type of outdoor burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta with the exception of a campfire for cooking or warming. Fire permits help ensure that when smoke or fire is reported, wildfire officials can determine whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn.
Albertans living or recreating in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.
Fire permits can still be requested over the phone by calling the High Level Forest Area permit line at 780-926-5407.
THE FOREST PROTECTION AREA OF ALBERTA
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development (AFRED) is responsible for all aspects of wildfire management within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. This includes wildfire prevention, wildfire response, permit issuance, enforcement and the initiation of fire advisories, restrictions, bans and forest area closures. Authority for these actions is granted under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and supporting regulations.
The FPA covers approximately 62% of the province, and is divided into 10 Forest Areas. Each Forest Area manages their own fire centre, fire bases, airtanker bases and wildfire lookouts. Resources are moved throughout the areas as required, and coordinated through the Alberta Wildfire Coordination Centre in Edmonton. Note that cities, towns, villages and summer villages, even if embedded within the FPA, are outside of AFRED’s jurisdiction. The local municipality or governing authority is responsible for wildfire management on their land base.
WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. Available for Apple and Android.
Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.
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High Level Forest Area | Wildfire Information Officer
Victoria Ostendorf
Mobile: 780-841-9387
Office: 780-926-5401
Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca