Part of Wildfire status
Wildfire update

High Level Forest Area

Current information on wildfire conditions within the High Level Forest Area.

High Level Forest Area - July 04, 2025

Low wildfire danger

Due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, and after an assessment of overall conditions, the wildfire danger level is now considered low in the High Level Forest Area.

Please note also that the fire ban has now been lifted (see details below).

 

Wildfire situation 

Fire ban lifted

Given the rain received (and cooler temperatures) over several days — including 25-30 ml on the wildfires in the Sousa Creek Complex over the past 24 hours — and after an assessment of overall conditions, the fire ban, which has been in place since late May, has now been lifted and there are currently no fire activity restrictions in place. 

This means that safe burning is now allowed; however, permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area, except campfires (see below). Safe campfires are now allowed in campgrounds — and backcountry or random camping areas.

Alberta Wildfire monitors conditions — and forecasts — on an ongoing basis to determine fire danger and fire restriction levels. As we are still in the normally very active part of wildfire season, some level of fire activity restriction may again be required over the summer, depending on conditions. 

Fire permits 

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 expect a high number of requests, so please be patient as our patrolmen respond as quickly as they can over the coming days. 

Wildfire south of Meander now being held

HWF065, which is about 15 km south (from reserve boundary) of the community of Meander River and about 2.2 km from Highway 35 (at its closest point), is now being held. This wildfire is estimated at 650 hectares (ha). 

Firefighters, heavy equipment and bucketing helicopters continue their efforts to contain and suppress this wildfire. The cause of HWF065 is under investigation and this wildfire does not currently pose a threat to communities.

Sousa Creek Wildfire Complex 

Wildfire HWF036, which is between Rainbow Lake and High Level, on both sides of Highway 58, remains classified as out of control at 52,672 ha. The wildfire has not grown in more than a week and remains the same distance 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.

Wildfires HBZ001 and HBZ002 are located on the Alberta-B.C. border. They are both out of control at 23,466 ha and 7,471 ha respectively (these sizes were more accurately re-assessed recently and represent the Alberta side of these wildfires). These wildfires have not grown significantly recently. Firefighters are working to contain them.  

None of the wildfires in the Sousa Creek Complex currently pose a threat to communities.

Additional information for residents of Bushe, Chateh and Meander

Public safety-related information may also be available on the Dene Tha Facebook page, Dene Tha Radio (89.9 FM), and posters in the Bushe, Chateh and Meander 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 will be attending the High Level Rodeo on Saturday, July 12. Look for our information booth and free give-away products, which highlight the importance of fire safety and wildfire prevention. 

Bertie with High Level fire chief (July 1, 2025)
Bertie Beaver, Alberta Forestry's mascot, met the Town of High Level's fire chief, Rodney Schmidt, during Canada Day celebrations at Centennial Park on July 1.

Published on July 4, 2025 2:05 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.