The High Level Forest Area is seeing cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity therefore the fire danger remains moderate.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
- New heavy fuel fire permits may be requested and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Burn barrel permits can be requested and burn barrel permits that were issued in 2023 are active again.
- Backyard fire pits
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Stay away from active wildfire areas | For your safety and to ensure firefighters can do their job safely, please stay away from active wildfire areas. Your cooperation is essential.
Dangerous trees | Be extra cautious near burnt areas and avoid forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire. Hazards remain from deep ash pits, burning peat and falling trees or branches, especially if windy.
Reporting wildfires | Please do not report smoke or flame from within an active wildfire area. Firefighters are diverted from essential tasks to respond to fires reported by the public. You may see smoke or flame within the existing boundary of a wildfire, this is normal.
Smoke | Lingering smoke may still be visible in some areas and in affected communities. Smoke inversions can trap air near the ground causing dangerous driving conditions and poor air quality. Please use extra caution when driving in smoky conditions, and take necessary precautions if you have smoke-related health concerns.
Drones | The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. *Transport Canada
WEATHER
The forecasted temperature today is 19 degrees, with a relative humidity of 50 percent with southeast winds 20 km/h gusting to 35 km/h. There's a good chance of thunder showers for most parts of the forest area with a possibility of lightning.
There is currently no special air quality statement issued for High Level. For more information please visit weather.gc.ca
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | AUGUST 9, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM
There are 2 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, one is classified as out of control (OC), 14 are being held (BH) and eight are under control (UC). To see a map of the wildfires in the High Level Forest Area and across the province please click here.
Wildfires of interest;
HWF112 | This fire is located approximately 32 km north of highway 58, east of Wentzel Lake. This fire is classified as being held (BH) at a last recorded size of 32,158 hectares. This fire is being monitored by firefighters. There are no communities at risk at this time.
HWF102 | This is located approximately 18 km north of highway 58. The wildfire is classified as under control (UC) at a last recorded size of 1,166 hectares. There are 21 firefighters, two helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire. Crews have are working to establish and strengthen control lines on the west and east sides of the fire work towards the south. There are no communities at risk at this time.
HWF064
This fire was detected June 9, 2023. This fire is classified as under control (UC) with a last recorded size of 6,175 hectares. The fire is located approximately 10 km northwest of Zama City. Firefighters are monitoring this wildfire and will action it as needed.
HWF030 | THE PASKWA FIRE
The Paskwa fire was detected on May 2, 2023. It extends along the south side of the Peace River from the community of Fox Lake into Wood Buffalo National Park and is approximately 8 km south of the community of Garden River. The wildfire is 96,582 hectares in size and is classified as being held (BH). Being held means given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past predetermined boundaries.
Crews continue their work in Fox Lake going house to house to extinguish 250 feet around each structure and 250 feet along roadways. The crews are currently concentrating on the south side of the Paskwa field and on the north end of the Nanooch road.
There are areas within the community where the fire is burning deep in peat moss. Extinguishing peat fires has additional challenges. These fires burn deep into the ground and often need to be dug out and drowned in water. If they aren't properly extinguished, peat fires can burn under ground for weeks and even through the winter months. They can creep underground and resurface later, in new locations.
There are 16 firefighters and four water trucks working on searching for and extinguishing hotspots near the community. They're assisted by other heavy equipment and two helicopters.
THE OWL COMPLEX | AUGUST 9, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM
The High Level Forest Area is managing wildfires HWF072, HWF138, HWF083, HWF087, HWF092, and HWF142.
HWF072 | This fire is classified as being held (BH) at 30,123 hectares. The fire is approximately 14 km southwest of the South Tall Cree boundary at highway 88. Very little activity was observed on the wildfire and firefighters expect this fire behaviour to continue as cooler temperatures and possible rain showers are in the forecast.
Good progress is being made by crews, helicopters and heavy equipment as they continue to extend containment lines on the northern flank working towards the west. Firefighters were also busy building helipads in some key areas in case firefighters need to access these areas again later.
This week, crews will continue to search for and extinguish hotspots near Waldin Lake and the northern perimeter of the wildfire. Reclamation of dozer guards in areas where there's no concern for re-ignition is being planned and will begin in the coming weeks.
HWF083 | This fire is classified as being held (BH) at 13,700 hectares. It is located approximately 34 km southeast of the South Tall Cree boundary at the Wabasca River. No communities are currently at risk. Firefighters are monitoring this fire.
HWF087 | This fire is classified as being held (BH) at 12,508 hectares. This fire is located approximately 3 km south of Harper Creek. No communities are currently at risk. Firefighters are monitoring this fire.
HWF142 | This fire is classified as under control (UC) at 15 hectares. No communities are currently at risk. Firefighters will continue to monitor this fire.
Resources
There are 54 firefighters, five helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire. Airtankers are available as needed.
Weather
Today the forecasted temperature is 22 degrees, a relative humidity of 35 percent with winds southeast 10-15 km/h gusting to 30 km/h. The forecast is showing a slight chance of precipitation for today.
THE BASSET COMPLEX | AUGUST 9, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM
An Incident Management Team (IMT) is managing wildfires HWF058 and HWF138 within the High Level Forest Area, as well as wildfires PWF067, PWF079, and PWF114 within the Peace River Forest Area.
HWF058 | This wildfire is located about 12 km northwest of the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement boundary marker, where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. It is classified as out of control (OC) at 39,575 hectares.
Low to moderate fire behaviour was observed on this wildfire yesterday and firefighters anticipate even less activity in the coming days thanks to the lower temperatures and possible rain. Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots and strengthening containment lines. They are assisted by helicopters who are bucketing in the area. Heavy equipment continue to extend containment lines in key areas.
The south and southeast part of the wildfire hasn't shown very much fire activity but firefighters continue to monitor and extinguish hotspots in this area to prevent any potential spread towards communities and properties.
Helicopters were also busy bucketing on the west and northwest where the fire was very active with trees flaring. Firefighters established a good section of hose lay to bring water to the fireline in this area, they continue to search for and extinguish hotspots.
The area of the fire that crossed to the east side of the Chinchaga River is about 15 km north of where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. This area is secured and contained.
PWF067 | This wildfire is located 9 kilometers west of highway 35 and 10 km south of the Keg River. It is classified as being held (BH) at 5,248 hectares. Hotspots are still being found on this wildfire. Firefighters continue working with helicopters to expose the hotspots and extinguish them using water and handtools.
PWF079 | This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) at 3 hectares. Firefighters continue to monitor this wildfire.
Resources
There are 150 firefighters and support staff working on the Basset Complex with 12 helicopters and heavy equipment. Firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, United States, South Africa and Alberta are currently working on this wildfire.
Weather
Today the forecasted temperature is 18 degrees, a relative humidity of 80 percent with east/southeast winds at 15-20 km/h a good chance of rain showers.
We thank the incident management team from the U.S Eastern Area for helping support us on the Basset Wildfire Complex (August 8, 2023).
THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036, | AUGUST 9, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM
An Incident Management Team (IMT) is managing fires HWF036 and HBZ003.
HWF036 | This wildfire is classified as being held (BH) at 185,528 hectares. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to strengthen and extend the containment lines in key areas to prevent the spread of the wildfire. Helicopters and crews continue to work to protect critical infrastructure on the west side. The northeast guard protecting the community of Chateh continues to hold.
Reduced fire behaviour was observed yesterday however the fire continues to creep in the ground, at times flaring trees. Firefighters continue to search for and extinguish hotspots on the south and southeast edges of the wildfire. The wildfire did cross the Hay River in a small section but firefighters are going to continue monitoring this area and action if needed.
We are asking the public and residents to use extra caution around wildfire operations and not walk near or into burnt areas. There are many hazards that are difficult to see, like deep burning ash pits, unstable trees that can fall because their roots have been burnt away, as well as other unknown dangers. Fallen trees on various roads have been reported. If travelling along these burnt areas, be aware and prepared in case these trees fall onto the road, your vehicle could become entrapped.
HBZ003 | This fire continues to be active on the east and northeast side. Helicopters have been working the northeast side to slow the spread towards critical infrastructure in the area.
Resources
There are 34 firefighters and support staff working on this wildfire from Australia, the United States and Alberta. Nine helicopters and heavy equipment are also supporting these operations. Additional heavy helicopters and airtankers are available if required.
Weather
Today the forecasted temperature is 19 degrees, a relative humidity of 70 percent with winds east 15 km/h and a chance of showers.
Wildland firefighters sometimes leave home to support other forest areas, provinces or countries for days, weeks and even months during wildfire season. It's not only hard on them, but on their families that they leave behind. The logistics chief stationed on the Long Lake Complex often brings his daughters best friend all the way from West Virginia on his deployments. Crispy The Cat was busy observing quiet fire behaviour on the fire line yesterday. We thank his daughter and all the families and friends that support our firefighters while they're away on duty (August 8, 2023).
DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES!
The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. *Transport Canada
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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WILDFIRE LINKS AND TOOLS
Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province can contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.
There are multiple EVACUATION ORDERS & ALERTS in the Province. Please visit Alberta Emergency Alerts or your community webpage for more information.
For road closure information, please visit: 511.alberta.ca
Wildfire smoke is a tool used for the location of smoke firesmoke.ca
To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS | Learn how you can prepare yourself for a wildfire by clicking here.
Acting Information Officer - High Level Forest Area