The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area is MODERATE. This means that creeping or low intensity fire is likely.
Ensure you use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Use care if welding, grinding or other hot works that can cause a spark, friction or hot exhaust.
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.
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.
To learn more about the Alberta Fire Ban System, check out our video or visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA WILDFIRE SITUATION
There are currently 11 fires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Of those wildfires, 10 are classified as under control and one is classified as being held. Six of these under control wildfires are carry-over fires from the 2023 season. Additionally, there are three fires along borders: two shared with B.C. and one with the N.W.T.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 41 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of almost 538 hectares (ha).
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.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION
The fire danger is forecast to be low across most of the boreal and moderate in the north. The Rocky Mountains and southern regions outside of the Forest Protection Area are forecast to be moderate to very high.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 404 wildfires burning a total of approximately 27,987 ha.
Last year, on this date, there were 587 wildfires that had burnt a total of 1,695,061 ha. Over the past five years on this date, an average of 460 wildfires had burnt an average of 489,932 ha.
Coordinated from the Steen River Fire Base, approximately 50 km south of the AB-NWT border, Alberta Wildfire firefighters, aircraft and equipment operators — working closely with NWT, industry and other partners — continue their work to contain and control the Cameron Hills wildfire (HTZ001).
ACTIVE WILDFIRES OF INTEREST
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills wildfire) is a mutual aid wildfire that originated in the border zone with the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) in 2023. The Alberta portion of this fire, south of the border, is now classified as BEING HELD, which means that the wildfire is not expected to grow past its current boundaries — based on the resources available and weather forecasts.
On the Alberta side, this wildfire (HTZ001) is located near Indian Cabins, just south of the N.W.T. border. On May 10, the fire crossed Highway 35, near Indian Cabins and the Hay River, and — on May 23 — it spread north, crossing the border, back into the N.W.T. This recent (2024) burn within the High Level Forest Area is estimated to cover 30,812 hectares.
Parts of this wildfire on the N.W.T. side are still considered to be out of control; however, progress is being made to contain these areas. Fire suppression efforts along the border continue to be coordinated with the N.W.T. government. Go to the NWT Wildfire Update Map and the South Slave SS009-24 Update for more information on their activities.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of firefighters, heavy equipment operators, aircraft personnel and industry partners, on both sides of the border, progress is being made in achieving our mutual objectives.
Today, there are 288 firefighting personnel (141 in Alberta), support staff and aircraft personnel from both Alberta and Northwest Territories assigned to this incident. In support, there are 17 helicopters and 23 pieces of heavy equipment assisting firefighters with their efforts. Airtankers are available, if required.
Today (Wednesday), we expect to reach a high of 13 C, with relative humidity of 65 percent and winds from the S-SE at 10 km/h. Some rain and possibly thunderstorms may occur later in the day. Tomorrow (Thursday), the forecast calls for a high of 12 C with 80 percent relative humidity, while winds are anticipated from the S-SW at 10-15 km/h — shifting to come from the NE at 10 km/h in the evening.
Rain may mix with snow on Friday, then there is a potential for a rebound of temperatures and an increase in fire activity from Sunday onward. Accordingly, there appears to be a good window of opportunity for additional progress in fire suppression over the next 72 - 96 hours.
The areas that continue to exhibit the most fire activity are the northeast corner, east of the Hay River and the southwest corner towards the 2023 portion of the fire. Crews continue to work on containing the fire with various tactics including building dozer guard, laying hose line, finding, and extinguishing hotspots along the perimeter and using helicopters with buckets.
Night-vision capabilities were used again last night, focused on acquiring imagery and information in support of fire crews and their hose lay, and will continue to be used when required and when conditions are suitable for use of this technology.
Highway 35 and surrounding roads may be 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.
Firefighters, support staff and equipment operators gather in the morning for a safety briefing before heading to the fire line on HTZ001 (June 3, 2024)
HWF021 is classified as UNDER CONTROL, estimated to be 378 ha in size and 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 monitored by firefighters for activity and actioned when needed.
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.
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.
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. To see forecasted smoke, you can visit FireSmoke.ca. If you have smoke related health concerns, please visit or contact Alberta 811.
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 firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. *Transport Canada.
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 issuing burn permits on a case-by-case basis.
High Level Forest Area | Permit Line - 780-926-5407. Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.
SAFE CAMPFIRES
As the weather gets better and more of us head into the woods for some rest and relaxation please make sure you NEVER LEAVE A CAMPFIRE UNATTENDED.
Here are a few tips that will help ensure a safe campfire:
- Never leave your campfire unattended. Before you leave your campfire, ensure you fully extinguish it by soaking the ashes, stirring them and soaking them again until they are cool to the touch.
- Choose a safe site that is out of the wind and on bare mineral ground. Ensure that sparks can't fly into nearby dry fuels or grass. A spark will fly farther then you think.
- Ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment including water near by. Don't take chances. A spark in dry grass will ignite easily and spread very quickly if the wind is present.
- Remember to visit albertafirebans.ca before heading out to find the latest information about fire bans across the province.
FireSmart is more than a collection of best-practices, programs, resources, and tools. FireSmart is a way of living with and managing the risk of wildfire. It is a shared responsibility between government, community leaders, neighbourhoods, and residents. Together, we can build a wildfire resilient Alberta. A FireSmart Alberta.
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Flames aren’t the only threat. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire.
To learn more on how you can protect your home, visit FireSmart Alberta. For farm or acreages, you can 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.
