The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area remains VERY HIGH.
Use extreme caution this long weekend. Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire until the ashes are cool to the touch and never leave it unattended.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
A fire advisory is in effect for the High Level Forest Area. Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits are valid but extension requests may not be granted. Permit holders must follow the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit; and
- New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
Permitted:
- Safe wood campfires
- Backyard fire pits
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared style heaters
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.
To learn more about the Alberta Fire Ban System, check out our video or visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION
The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area remains VERY HIGH. This means that high-intensity fire is expected and likely to spread to treetops. Fire is expected to start easily and to challenge suppression efforts.
There are currently 12 fires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Two are out of control, four are being held, six are classified as under control. Two of these wildfires are carry-over fires from the 2023 season. Additionally, there are two wildfires along borders: one shared with B.C. and one with the N.W.T.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 51 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 4,435 ha.
Visit our website to learn more about wildfire classifications.
You can view the location and statistics of these wildfires on our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | ACTIVE WILDFIRES OF INTEREST
HWF030 (Amber River - Near Zama) is currently BEING HELD which means that given current weather conditions and resources, this wildfire is not anticipated to grow past its expected boundaries. The wildfire is located approximately 8.5 km southwest of Zama City and estimated to be 3,200 hectares (ha). The wildfire remains under investigation.
There are 172 firefighters and support staff associated to this wildfire along with nine helicopters and heavy equipment operators. Airtankers remain available, if required.
Perimeter areas are secured through natural barriers and/or guard established by heavy equipment, along with the fire suppression efforts of firefighting personnel. The incident management team, which coordinates frontline operations and supporting resources, remains established in the Zama area.
Structural protection gear has been removed from Zama City; however, some remains in other areas closer to the fire. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue to action this wildfire.
We will continue our use of night-vision-equipped (NVIS) helicopters overnight, as required, using infrared technology to monitor fire behavior and support operational planning with the assessments obtained.
Tomorrow, firefighters anticipate temperatures to reach a high of 28 C, with relative humidity of 20 percent and winds from the south southeast 15-20 km/h gusting to 30 km/h. Crossover conditions, which are conducive to intense fire activity, are possible tomorrow and Sunday.
HWF030, which is now classified as being held, continues to burn approximately 8.5 km southwest of Zama City (June 28, 2024)
HWF044 is currently BEING HELD which means that meaning that given current weather conditions and resources, this wildfire is not anticipated to grow past its expected boundaries. The wildfire is located approximately 40 km north east of the Town of High Level (near Ponton) and estimated to be 107 ha. The wildfire does not post a threat to any community at this time and the is under investigation.
Firefighters remain on scene, along with helicopters that are being used for heli-bucketing, as required, and to transport fire crews. Airtankers are available, should they be required.
HWF047 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL approximately 40 km north northeast of the town of High Level and 25 km east of Highway 35. The wildfire is now estimated to be 575 ha in size. The wildfire does not post a threat to any community at this time and the is under investigation.
The wildfire is currently burning towards the north northwest away from the Town of High Level. The wildfire is expected to continue to burn and show some activity during the night as relative humidifies will only reach 45%.
There are 32 firefighters, three helicopters along with heavy equipment. Airtankers are available to assist firefighters when possible. Firefighters today were working on building access, improving helicopter pads (landing zones) and establishing hose lay on the southside. Two other crews were working northwards up the west and east side of the wildfire.
Firefighters observed crossover conditions today on the wildfire. This means that the temperature was above the relative humidity, creating intense fire activity. For tomorrow crossover conditions will persist, with maximum temperatures of 25 C and low relative humidity of 20% with winds continuing out of the south southeast 15-20 km/h gusting 35 km/h possibly moving the wildfire towards the northwest.
Tonight, night-vision-equipped (NVIS) helicopters are expected to assist with firefighting. Equipped with infrared technology, they're able to monitor fire behavior, support operational planning with their assessments and drop water in key areas of the perimeter.
HWF047 is burning out of control 40 km north northeast of High Level (June 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.)
HWF052 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL approximately 40 km north northeast of the town of High Level and 25 km east of Highway 35. The wildfire is now estimated to be 2.5 ha in size. The wildfire does not post a threat to any community at this time and the is under investigation. Two helicopters are assisting firefighters to contain this wildfire.
HTZ001 (Cameron Hills) 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.
On the Alberta side, this wildfire (HTZ001) is located near Indian Cabins, just south of the N.W.T. border. This recent burn within the High Level Forest Area covers an estimated 30,526 hectares (ha).
Given our success in managing this wildfire to date, the assigned Alberta Wildfire incident management team (IMT), which had been in place for about a month, has departed — leaving a reduced number of firefighters, support staff and aircraft on scene (along with some heavy equipment), as we continue to monitor this wildfire, extinguishing any hot spots found along the perimeters.
The aim of protecting critical infrastructure along Highway 35, including utilities and Indian Cabins, remains, and we will continue to work closely with our industry partners and N.W.T. counterparts to contain and control this wildfire (HTZ001).
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.
This wildfire may cause highway closures, visit Alberta 511 or download the app for up-to-date information.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION (as of 10 a.m., June 28)
The fire danger is very high to extreme in the northern part of the province. It is moderate to high in the central boreal. The fire danger is low along the Rocky Mountains and in the agricultural zone.
Since January 1, there have been 486 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area that have burned at least 31,611 hectares (ha). Last year, on this date, there were 713 wildfires that had burned 1,803,069 ha across the province. The five-year average — from January 1 to this date — is 567 wildfires, which had burned 531,607 ha across the province.
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, please 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.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
CANADA DAY (July 1)
Alberta Wildfire wishes everyone a very Happy Canada Day on July 1.
FIREWORKS
As the July long weekend approaches, many Albertans are preparing to celebrate with fireworks. While these displays can be thrilling, it’s crucial to remember that fireworks and exploding targets can pose a significant wildfire risk. The hot debris generated by these explosions can ignite dry grass and other forest fuels, leading to unintended wildfires. To prevent wildfires, the use of fireworks and exploding targets in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires written permission from a forest officer.
Please make your request at least three days before the long weekend to allow time for a necessary site inspection.
High Level Forest Area: 780-926-5407
For those celebrating outside the Forest Protection Area, different rules apply depending on your location:
- Town of High Level: Fireworks are allowed only for special town-sponsored events.
- Town of Rainbow Lake: Permit required; call the town office at 780-956-3934
By following these guidelines and obtaining the necessary permissions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone.
FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED
All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a burn permit, with the exception of a 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, check the fire bans website or download the app to determine if 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 evacuation orders and alerts in the Province visit Alberta Emergency Alerts or your community webpage for more information.
For road closure information, visit Alberta 511 or download the app.
For smoke forecasts and locations tools, visit the Fire Smoke website. Wildfire smoke is a tool used for the location of smoke firesmoke.ca
To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS | Learn how you can prepare yourself for a wildfire by clicking here.
