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 remains 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 eight fires burning in the High Level Forest Area — all are classified as under control. Four of these wildfires are carry-over fires from the 2023 season. Additionally, there are three wildfires 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 most of the boreal, with pockets of moderate to high in the west and centre of the province. It is high to very high along the Rocky Mountains, and very high to extreme in the southern agricultural zone.

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 621 wildfires that had burnt a total of 1,719,474 ha across the province. Over the past five years on this date, an average of 486 wildfires had burnt an average of 494,885 ha.

Firefighters with Alberta Wildfire (Forestry and Parks) continue their work extinguishing hot spots in priority areas, as we continue to make significant progress with the Cameron Hills wildfire (HTZ001) in early June. This success is expected to allow for a reduction in the number of on-scene firefighters, support staff and helicopters over the next few days.

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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). 

Protecting critical infrastructure along Highway 35, including utilities and Indian Cabins, remain as key objectives for the Cameron Hills fire (HTZ001).

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.

Today (Sunday), there are still 277 firefighters and air and support staff from both Alberta and the Northwest Territories assigned to this incident, which includes 133 Alberta firefighters on the frontlines. There are also 22 pieces of heavy equipment on scene, which, along with 11 helicopters, are on stand-by due to weather and visibility limitations.

Ongoing favourable weather, and the dedication and targeted work of firefighters, heavy equipment operators, aircraft and support personnel, and industry partners — on both sides of the border — continues to account for the significant progress being made in achieving our mutual objectives. Accordingly, over the next 24-48 hours, we plan to reduce the number of firefighting personnel and helicopters on this incident. 

Firefighters on the ground are continuing to locate and extinguish hot spots along and around the railway (in cooperation with industry) — again focusing on those areas accessible by road, given the low visibility and, therefore, the likely lack of air support (helicopters) for fire crew transport. 

Airtankers and night-vision capabilities are available, but not expected to be required in the coming days. 

Overall, the push to extinguish hotspots within 100 feet (or less) of dozer guard, and to contain the entire fire perimeter west of the Hay River and the perimeter east of the Hay River — while tying into natural barriers in the area — is close to being achieved.

There was very minimal precipitation in the area (HTZ001) last night and into today, however, little-to-no rain is forecast for the next 72 hours. Today's forecast calls for a high of up to 14 C, with a relative humidity of 60 percent and winds from the SE at 15 km/h. A return to dryer and warmer weather is anticipated over the next few days.

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. 

An Alberta firefighter works to extinguish a hot spot on HTZ001 in early June.

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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