High Level Area Update

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.

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 10 fires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Of those wildfires, all 10 are classified as under control. 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. (HTZ001, see below).

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 41 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 535 hectares (ha). These numbers do not include the three border fires noted above.

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 low to moderate across the north and east regions of the boreal and high to very high in the central-west boreal region and along the Rocky Mountains. The fire danger in the agricultural zone is very high to extreme.

Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 410 wildfires burning a total of approximately 27,984 ha. 

Last year, on this date, there were 609 wildfires that had burnt a total of 1,713,606 ha across the province. Over the past five years on this date, an average of 478 wildfires had burnt an average of 493,660 ha.

Aircraft, including helicopters and sometime air tankers, play a key role in supporting the work of firefighters and heavy equipment operators on the ground — when visibility and other conditions permit. As we continue to make significant progress with the Cameron Hills wildfire (HTZ001), recent moisture has been helpful, while also causing some visibility issues for air operations (Steen River Fire Base, June 6).

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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 now, after re-assessment, estimated to cover 30,526 hectares (ha). 

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 closely coordinated with the territorial government; please see NWT Wildfire Update Map and the South Slave SS009-24 Update for more information on their activities.

The hard work and dedication of firefighters, heavy equipment operators, aircraft personnel and industry partners — on both sides of the border — along with some favourable weather in recent days, accounts for the significant progress being made in achieving our mutual objectives.

Today (Friday), there are 278 firefighting personnel (213 in Alberta), support staff and aircraft personnel from both Alberta and the Northwest Territories assigned to this incident. The reference to "firefighting personnel" above includes firefighters, air and support staff. In yesterday's Alberta number, we referenced only actual firefighters, which has been corrected today. In support, there are now 11 helicopters and 24 pieces of heavy equipment assisting firefighters with their efforts. Airtankers and night-vision capabilities are available, if required and as conditions permit. 

Protecting critical infrastructure along Highway 35, including utilities and Indian Cabins, remain as key objectives. Crews continue to work on containing the fire with various tactics — while focused on extinguishing hotspots within 100 feet (or less) of dozer guard — as they push to fully contain the entire fire perimeter west of the Hay River, and contain the perimeter east of the Hay River; also tying into natural barriers in the area. 

Helicopters are continuing their work in support of firefighting crews on the ground, when required and when visibility and overall conditions permit.

There was a small amount of precipitation in the area (HTZ001) last night and more rain (3-8 mm), possibly mixed with snow, is expected between now and Saturday morning. We expect to reach a high of 6 C today, with relative humidity of 75 percent and winds from the N-NE at 15-20 km/h — occasionally gusting up to 40 km/h. The forecast for Saturday (June 8) calls for a high of 8 C with 65 percent relative humidity, while winds are anticipated from the N-NE at 15-20 km/h.

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. 

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).

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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 six 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.

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