High Level Area Update

Please use caution when spending time in forested areas. If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473).

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. (HTZ00, 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 | Learn more about wildfire classifications.

LOCATIONS | View this wildfire on our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION

The fire danger is low across the north and east regions of the boreal, and moderate to high in the central-west boreal region. It is high to very high 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 415 wildfires burning a total of approximately 27,985 ha. 

Last year, on this date, there were 616 wildfires that had burnt a total of 1,713,607 ha across the province. Over the past five years on this date, an average of 481 wildfires had burnt an average of 493,672 ha.

Firefighters with Alberta Wildfire (Forestry and Parks) continue their work extinguishing hot spots in priority areas — efforts aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and the environment — as we continue to make significant progress with the Cameron Hills wildfire (HTZ001) in early June.

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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 covers an estimated 30,526 hectares (ha). 

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 and wildfire status in the N.W.T. area.

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

Today (Saturday), there are 277 firefighting personnel from both Alberta and the Northwest Territories assigned to this incident. The broad reference to "firefighting personnel" includes firefighters, air and support staff on both sides of the border (in Alberta, there are 133 firefighters on the frontline today). There are also 22 pieces of heavy equipment assisting firefighters with their efforts. Helicopters are on stand-by; however, limited visibility will likely restrict their use today. Airtankers and night-vision capabilities are available, if required and as weather and other conditions permit. 

Protecting critical infrastructure along Highway 35, including utilities and Indian Cabins, remain as key objectives. Alberta Wildfire personnel are working with industry to address hot spots along and around the railway — focusing on those areas accessible by road, given the limited visibility today and, therefore, the likely lack of air support (helicopters) for fire crew transport.

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.

There was a small amount of precipitation in the area (HTZ001) last night and the same is expected today into Sunday (1-3 mm) — with no precipitation forecast for the following 48 hours. We expect to reach a high of 8 C today, with relative humidity of 65 percent and winds from the N-NE at 10-15 km/h. The forecast for Sunday (June 9) calls for a high of 13 C with 50 percent relative humidity, while winds are anticipated from the S-SE 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. 

Alberta Wildfire uses communications, scanning, night-vision and other technology to enhance its capabilities in fire detection and suppression, planning and logistics, and personnel management and safety, at the Cameron Hills wildfire (HTZ001), being coordinated from the Steen River Fire Base (approximately 50 km south of the AB-NWT border), and other wildfires across the province. ______________________________________________________________________________________

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