A fire restriction remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area.
The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area is now HIGH. This means that forest fuels are dry and fire risk is serious. Moderate to vigorous surface fire is expected, which may spread to treetops. Conditions may be challenging for fire suppression efforts.
Keep watch of your surroundings when working or recreating outdoors. Any spark, friction or hot exhaust could start a wildfire. If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable. Use extreme caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. A fire will quickly spread in dry and dead grass. If you’re using your OHV, remember to stop often, cool down your machine and check your hotspots. Grass can get stuck in the hot areas of your OHV, heat up and start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. To view restriction boundaries, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | MAY 4, 2024
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 27 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area burning a total of 410 hectares (ha). Of these wildfires, two are classified under control (UC) and one is being held (BH). HWF013 is now classified as extinguished.
HWF021 is classified as being held, estimated to be 378 ha in size and now a part of MCX001 wildfire complex with the Fort McMurray's Forest Area. There are no values at risk near this wildfire and there is no threat to communities at this time. The wildfire is being actioned by firefighters and will be extinguished.
Visit our website and click on the interactive map to view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the wildfire dashboard. These wildfires remain under investigation.
CARRY OVER WILDFIRES - There are 12 carry over wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season. Of these fires, 10 are classified as under control (UC) and two are mutual aid wildfires. HWF064 is now extinguished. The wildfires remaining on the landscape are being monitored for fire activity and resources are being deployed to extinguish hotspots as they are discovered.
Wildland firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots on active wildfires in the area. High level infrared scanning conducted by aircraft is being conducted to determine if there are any other active spots in the forest area.
Wildland firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots on carry over wildfires from 2023. Smoke can be seen on HWF087 (May 3, 2024).
FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED
All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a burn permit, with the exception of campfire. At this time, the High Level Forest Area is not issuing any new burn permits and all existing permits have been suspended or cancelled.
High Level Forest Area | Permit Line - 780-926-5407
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.
More so than ever before, Canadians are feeling the direct and indirect impacts of wildfire. There is a growing need for FireSmart education. FireSmart Canada has developed a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart and want to learn more. Follow the link by clicking here.
To learn more on how you can protect your farm or acreage, you can also download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
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.
For more information, please contact:
