High Level Forest Area - July 07, 2025
The fire danger for the High Level Forest Area (HLFA) is currently assessed as moderate overall.
This is an average for the HLFA, which includes a low-to-moderate assessment across the east and southeast sections of the area — north and south of Little Red River Cree Nation communities, and east of Tall Cree First Nation (TCFN) communities — and an assessment of high west of TCFN, around the Town of High Level, west and northwest of the town towards the B.C. border, and north towards the N.W.T. border.
Alberta Wildfire conducts ongoing assessments of conditions and forecasts to determine fire danger levels and, if required, fire activity restriction levels. There are currently no restrictions in place in the HLFA.
Fire permits
With the fire ban lifted, safe burning is now allowed. Please remember, however, that permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area — except campfires.
Permits can be requested online or by calling the office at 780-926-5407. As the fire ban was in effect for more than five weeks, we are receiving many requests, so please be patient as our patrolmen respond as quickly as they can over the coming days.
Wildfire situation
Sousa Creek Wildfire Complex
Wildfire HWF036, which is between Rainbow Lake and High Level, on both sides of Highway 58, remains out of control at 52,672 ha. This wildfire has not grown and remains the same distances from the communities of Chateh, Rainbow Lake, Meander and High Level. Smoke may still be visible at times, as unburnt pockets of vegetation ignite in the interior of the fire.
The containment line on the northern side of the perimeter, which is the closest to Chateh, remains solid. Firefighters, bucketing helicopters and heavy equipment continue working to contain the west and south sides of the wildfire.
One border fire now being held
Wildfires HBZ001 and HBZ002, which are also part of the Sousa Creek Complex, are located on the Alberta-B.C. border. The larger of the two (HBZ001) is now being held at 23,436 ha, whereas the other (HBZ002) remains out of control at 7,471 ha (these sizes reflect the Alberta side of these wildfires). Firefighters continue their efforts to contain and control these wildfires.
None of the wildfires in the Sousa Creek Complex currently pose a threat to communities.
Wildfire south of Meander, west of Highway 35
HWF065, which is south of the community of Meander River and west of Highway 35, is being held. This wildfire is estimated at 650 hectares (ha).
Firefighters and heavy equipment — with some support from bucketing helicopters — continue their efforts to fully contain and control this wildfire. An aerial scan is set to be conducted tonight, which should clarify remaining hot spots to be targeted in the coming days.
The cause of HWF065 has been determined to be lightning. This wildfire does not currently pose a threat to communities.
Wildfire statistics
Since January 1, there have been 82 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning approximately 55,000 ha. To view wildfires on a map and for live updates, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard. Learn about the wildfire status definitions used in Alberta.
Community Engagement
The High Level Forest Area is set to attend the High Level Rodeo on Saturday, July 12. Look for our information booth and free give-away products, which highlight wildfire prevention.
Published on July 7, 2025 2:12 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
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
mark.giles@gov.ab.ca