High Level Area Update

Fire Ban and OHV Restriction in Effect  | April 15, 2020

Posted on Wed, Apr 15, 2020

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HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE | APRIL 15, 2020

There are currently 2 active wildfires in the High Level Area all of which are Under Control (UC). Click here for a map of all fire locations and their status within the High Level Forest Area. 

Although the Chuckegg Creek wildfire is listed as Under Control (UC), this doesn't mean the operation is over. Firefighters have been monitoring the fire and are working to identify and extinguish hotspots and areas of ground fire within the fire perimeter.

Fire Ban and OHV - hubspot

FIRE BAN AND OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION

As part of Alberta Wildfire's Response Plan to COVID-19, A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction have been issued for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta effective April 15th at 2:00 pm.

These measures aim to reduce the number of human caused wildfires, as most if not all wildfires in the early spring are caused by human activity. Reducing human caused wildfires helps keep our firefighting resources focused where they are most needed, especially when our firefighting resources may be challenged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agriculture, institutional (educational), commercial/ industrial, emergency response or Indigenous peoples who use OHV for traditional use.

Anyone found to be non-compliant of the fire ban may receive a violation ticket of $600 and non-compliant with the OHV restriction, a violation ticket of $1200.

To view a map of the Fire Ban and OHV Restriction please visit www.albertafirebans.ca

PROHIBITED

  • All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
  • Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
  • Fireworks and exploding targets.
  • The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.

ALLOWED

  • Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
  • Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
  • Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
  • OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands.

FIRE PERMTS

All fire permits are suspended or cancelled. Under authority of a Forest Officer, burning on industrial sites (energy, forestry) or essential agricultural debris disposal, may be approved on a case by case basis. Please call 780-926-5407.

WHAT IS AN OHV?

An “off-highway vehicle” is a motorized vehicle designed to go beyond defined roadways, including but not limited to:

  • Quads;
  • Side by sides;
  • Dirt bikes;
  • 4x4 Jeeps;
  • Pick-up trucks; or
  • Sport utility vehicles
  • Snowmobiles

COVID-19 & WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the health and safety of all firefighters and support staff remains a top priority. New safety measures are being developed in cooperation with workplace health and safety officials as adjustments to our wildfire operations. Details can be found here.


Victoria Ostendorf | Wildfire Information Officer 

High Level Forest Area

Phone: 780-841-9387

1-866-FYI-FIRE

victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca