Fire ban now in effect for the High Level Forest Area
The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area remains EXTREME. This means that forest fuels are extremely dry and pose a very serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which are very difficult to control.
Please use caution when working or recreating outdoors and keep watch of your surroundings. 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.
This update is best viewed on a web browser or the AB Wildfire Status App | To view previous High Level Forest Area Updates - Click here. Bold indicates new or important information.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. To view restriction boundaries, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.
To learn more about the Alberta Fire Ban System, check out our video.
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills fire on the Alberta-Northwest Territories border): Monitor Alberta 511 before travelling on highway 35 near the N.W.T. border and surrounding areas. (May 16, 2024).
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | MAY 16, 2024
There are currently 11 fires under control, of which eight are carry-over fires from 2023, and one fire "being held" (HWF021) in the High Level Forest Area (HLFA). Additionally, there are five fires along borders: three shared with B.C., one with Wood Buffalo National Park, and one with the N.W.T. (HTZ001) -- see below.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 35 wildfires in the HLFA, burning a total of 535 hectares (ha).
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills wildfire) is a mutual aid wildfire located near Indian Cabins that originated from the Northwest Territories in 2023. This carry-over fire crossed Highway 35, near Indian Cabins and the Hay River, on May 10 and continues to burn in the area.
Periodic strong winds and dry conditions are creating moderate-to-intense fire behaviour.
The main highway (35) was closed this evening (Thursday) for several hours, from approximately 5:30 p.m. Vehicles are now being escorted through by pilot vehicle, which allows controlled traffic movement at slow speeds.
The highway and surrounding roads may be impacted without notice. We urge all motorists to check Alberta 511 before travelling in that direction. Anticipate road closures and allow for additional time. For up-to-date information on highway closures, visit Alberta 511 or download the app.
Today, 80 firefighters were supported by eight helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment. Dozers continue their operations in number of areas, while firefighters continue searching for and extinguishing hotspots in key areas -- particularly on the south side where there was increased fire behaviour -- as part of overall efforts to prevent further spread of the fire.
Tomorrow (Friday), temperatures are expected to reach 14 degrees with winds from the northeast at 13 km/h (gusting to 20 km/h); mostly cloudy with some sunny breaks.
We ask that the public stay away from the area, as firefighters and aircraft continue their work containing the spread of the wildfire. DO NOT use drones in the surrounding area of the wildfire. If you're in the sky, we can't fly.
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 Forest Area. There are no threats to infrastructure or communities at this time. This wildfire is being actioned by firefighters and will be extinguished.
CLASSIFICATIONS | To learn more about wildfire classifications, click here.
LOCATIONS | To view this wildfire on our interactive map, click here and follow the active wildfire link.
CARRY OVER WILDFIRES | There are eight carry over wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season. These fires are classified as under control (UC). High-level infrared scanning is being conducted by aircraft to determine if there are any other active spots in the forest area. The wildfires remaining on the landscape are being monitored for fire activity, and resources are being deployed to extinguish hotspots as they are discovered.
SMOKE CONCERNS | Smoke may be visible in the High Level Forest Area. To see forecasted smoke, you can visit FireSmoke.ca. If you have smoke related health concerns, please contact Alberta 811.
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.
- Plan your high risk operations early in the morning when dew and humidity is higher in the dead grass and dry vegetation. Keep in mind that peak burning periods in our forest area are roughly between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Start from your headland (outer edge of the field) and work your way in. In the event a rock is struck and a spark is produced, the wildfire will be less likely to have vegetation to consume and easier to slow the spread.
- Ensure you clear all combustible materials away from points of ignition. Near heat shields, exhausts and wheel wells.
- Keep watch of your surroundings when working, you could accidently start a wildfire. Carry sufficient firefighting equipment and have a water source nearby.
To learn more on how you can protect your farm or acreage, you can also download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
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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