With the return of hot temperatures the forest fuels are drying out and there has been an increase in fire activity observed on some fires within the High Level Forest Area. The fire restriction has been lifted and a fire advisory is in place. Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires. 
- 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
Crews and heavy equipment working together on the east side of fire HWF058. July 20, 2023.
WEATHER
The forecasted temperature today is 27 degrees, with a relative humidity of 30 percent with winds south/southeast 10 km/h.
There is a special air quality statement issued for High Level. For more information please visit weather.gc.ca
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | JULY 30, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM
There are 30 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, seven are classified as out of control (OC), 12 are being held (BH) and 11 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. Alberta Wildfire and Little Red River Cree Nation have been in communication as the situation changes.
HWF102 | This is located approximately 18 km north of highway 58. The wildfire is classified as being held (BH) at a last recorded size of 1,166 hectares. There are 36 firefighters, four 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 being held (BH) with a last recorded size of 6,175 hectares. Being held means given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past predetermined boundaries.
The fire is located approximately 10 km northwest of Zama City and there has been no significant growth reported. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue to make progress creating and strengthening containment lines to prevent spread towards the community of Zama City. There are 52 firefighters, four helicopters, support staff and heavy equipment working on this fire.
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. There are areas within the community where the fire is burning deep in peat moss. These areas will continue to be worked on by firefighters and heavy equipment. There are 24 firefighters, two helicopters, and heavy equipment working on this fire.
THE OWL COMPLEX | JULY 30, 2023 AS OF 12:00 PM
An Incident Management Team (IMT) is managing wildfires HWF072, HWF138, HWF083, HWF087, HWF092, and HWF142.
HWF072 | This fire is classified as out of control (OC) at 30,123 hectares. The fire is approximately 14 km southwest of the South Tall Cree boundary at highway 88.
The recent rain received on this wildfire has lowered fire activity, therefore, Mackenzie County has reopened the Wadlin Lake campground. Heavy equipment continues to extend containment lines on the northern flank towards the west, and in the southeast corner. Firefighters are putting out hotspots and strengthening their containment lines. Helicopters continue to bucket in the area as needed.
HWF083 | This fire is classified as out of control (OC) 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 out of control (OC) 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.
HWF092 | This fire is classified as being held (BH) at 2.3 hectares. No communities are currently at risk. Firefighters are monitoring this fire.
HWF142 | This fire is classified as being held (BH) at 15 hectares. No communities are currently at risk. Firefighters are monitoring this fire.
Resources
There are 60 firefighters, eight helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire. Airtankers are available as needed.
Weather
Today the forecasted temperature is 27 degrees, a relative humidity of 30 percent with winds south/southwest 10 km/h.
THE BASSET COMPLEX | JULY 30, 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, PWF112 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 39,147 hectares.
The recent rain received on this wildfire fire activity has been reduced. Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots and strengthening containment lines. They are assisted by helicopters who are bucketing in the area. Heavy equipment continues to extend the containment lines.
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 out of control (OC) at 5,248 hectares. Firefighters continue to monitor this wildfire for activity.
PWF079 | This wildfire is classified as under control (UC) at three hectares. Firefighters continue to monitor this wildfire for activity.
PWF112 | This wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) at 0.74 hectares. Helicopters suppressed hotspots on this wildfire with their buckets. Firefighters will work on containing this wildfire today.
PWF114 | This wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) at 0.01 hectares. Helicopters suppressed hotspots on this wildfire with their buckets. It is being monitored by firefighters for activity.
Resources
There are 86 firefighters and support staff working on the Basset Complex with 14 helicopters and heavy equipment.
Weather
Today the forecasted temperature is 23 degrees, a relative humidity of 35 percent with winds south/southwest 10 km/h.
THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036, | JULY 30, 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 185,005 hectares. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
Fire activity is mostly contained to the western side of this wildfire. Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to strengthen and extend the containment lines. Helicopters are conducting bucketing operations in the northwestern corner of the fire. FireSmart work is being done around the infrastructure to the west of the fire. The northeast guard protecting the community of Chateh continues to hold with limited fire activity along that flank.
HBZ003 | This fire has been very 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 37 firefighters and support staff working on this wildfire, with six helicopters and heavy equipment.
Weather
Today the forecasted temperature is 26 degrees, a relative humidity of 25 percent with winds south/southeast 10 km/h.
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.
Subscribe to the High Level Forest Area Update to receive an email when new information is posted. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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.
Victoria Ostendorf
Wildfire Information Officer
High level Forest Area
Cell: 780-841-9387
Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca