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.
A fire advisory is in effect for the High Level Forest Area.
- Existing fire permits remain valid, but extension requests may not be granted.
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
- Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
To learn more about the Alberta Fire Ban System, check out our video or visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills): View along Highway 35, May 23, 2024
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | MAY 24, 2024
There are currently 11 fires burning in the High Level Forest Area (HLFA). Of those wildfires, 10 are classified as under control and one is classified as being held. Seven of these under control wildfires are carryover fires from the 2023 season. 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.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 35 wildfires in the HLFA, burning a total of 536 hectares (ha).
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills wildfire) is a mutual aid wildfire that originated in the Northwest Territories in 2023. It is located near Indian Cabins, just south of the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) border. This carry-over fire crossed Highway 35, near Indian Cabins and the Hay River, on May 10 and continues to burn in the area. It is now estimated to cover 14,000 hectares. Please note that this affected area is not included in the total number of hectares indicated above, as it is a mutual-aid wildfire with shared jurisdiction with the N.W.T.
Highway 35 and surrounding roads are currently impacted. We urge all motorists to check Alberta 511 before travelling in the area—allowing extra time in case of road closures. For up-to-date information on highway closures, visit Alberta 511 or download the app.
As expected, the wildfire became very aggressive yesterday afternoon and burned along the west side of Highway 35, pushing north into the N.W.T. Despite the light precipitation received last weekend, the drought conditions in the area coupled with the warm and dry weather of the last few days caused the fire to challenge containment lines and burn uncontrolled. For their safety, firefighters and heavy equipment were pulled from the fire line in many areas. Only helicopters and air tankers could safely pursue suppression efforts. Throughout the evening and early this morning, reconnaissance flights were conducted to evaluate spread and readjust objectives. Today, where it is safe to do so, crews will be repositioned to reinforce challenged containment lines or build new ones. Heavy machinery, hose, hand tools will be used. 124 firefighters, 14 helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment remain assigned to the incident. Air suppression tactics such as helibucketing and air tankers will also be employed.
All suppression efforts along the N.W.T. border will be coordinated with the NWT government, including air tankers drops. Please see https://www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/wildfire-update for more information on their activities.
Today, a high of 19 C is expected along with a low relative humidity of 25%, southeasterly winds at 10 km/h to 15 km/h and no precipitation. Similar conditions are forecasted for Saturday with a slight chance of a few millimetres of precipitation. Such conditions are conducive to the fire gaining significant ground.
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 seven 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.
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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.
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:
Wildfire Information Officer