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 Alberta Fire Bans.
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 wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Three are out of control, four are being held, three 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 56 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 5,644 hectares (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
WEATHER FORECAST | The wildfires in the High Level Forest Area were active today and experienced crossover conditions throughout the day. Crossover conditions mean that when the temperatures is above the relative humidity (RH), it allows for intense fire activity.
Today, the area experienced highs of 29 C and relative humidity of 30% with winds out of the south at 10-15 km/h. Tomorrow, a max of 28 C and RH of 30% is expected with winds from the southwest shifting in the afternoon to the northwest 10-15 km/h possibly moving the wildfire towards the southeast. Thunderstorms and precipitation are forecasted for today and into Tuesday, which should bring some relief.
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 155 firefighters and support staff working on this wildfire, along with nine helicopters and heavy equipment operators. Airtankers remain available, if required. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are searching for and extinguishing hotspots.
Firefighters will continue our use of night-vision equipped (NVIS) helicopters overnight when available. They have the capacity to use infrared technology to monitor fire behavior and support operational planning with their assessments.
HWF044 is currently OUT OF CONTROL 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 40 km north east of the Town of High Level (near Ponton) and estimated to be 180 ha. The wildfire does not pose a threat to any community at this time. The cause is under investigation.
Firefighters remain on scene, along with helicopters that are being used for bucketing as required, and to transport fire crews. Airtankers are available to assist with firefighting.
HWF044 was actively burning today, increasing growth by approximately 75 ha (June 30, 2024 6:00 p.m.).
HWF047 (Melvin River) 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 1,300 ha in size. The wildfire does not pose a threat to any community at this time and the cause is under investigation.
There are 37 firefighters, five helicopters along with heavy equipment associated to this wildfire. Additional firefighters are en-route. An incident management team has arrived in the forest area and will take over the management of this wildfire by tomorrow. Airtankers are available to assist firefighters when possible.
Today, firefighters worked on key areas of the wildfire to prevent the spread towards communities. Heavy equipment are being established to create containment lines alongside firefighters. They will return tomorrow to continue working on containment lines.
HWF052 is now classified as BEING HELD approximately 40 km north northeast of the town of High Level and 25 km east of Highway 35. The wildfire is estimated to be 2.5 ha in size. The wildfire does not post a threat to any community at this time and the cause remains under investigation. Firefighters and helicopters are available to action this wildfire if needed.
HWF053 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL approximately 40 km north east of John D'or Prairie and 155 km east northeast of the Town of High Level. It's estimated to be 203 ha in size. There is no threat to any community at this time, the wildfire remains under investigation.
Airtankers worked on the south side of the wildfire today, making good progress on suppressing fire activity. The wildfire will be receiving heavy equipment and firefighters to begin building containment lines.
Tonight, night-vision helicopters will return to the south side and continue suppressing fire activity, reinforcing the airtankers retardant lines.
Airtankers made good process on HWF053 today and a night-vision helicopter is scheduled to continue suppressing fire activity tonight (June 30, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.).
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 30,520 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.
Wildland firefighters continue to search for and extinguish hotspots on multiple wildfires in the High Level Forest Area (June 2024).
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION (as of 10 a.m., June 30)
The fire danger is very high to extreme in the northern and eastern parts of the boreal. It is moderate to high in the central boreal and the agricultural zone. The fire danger is low along the Rocky Mountains.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 498 wildfires burning a total of 32,694 ha.
Last year, on this date, there was 756 wildfires that burnt a total of 1,988,291 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 583 wildfires had burnt an average of 569,304 ha.
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 a national program that helps Canadians increase their resilience to wildfire. Whether you are a homeowner, resident, business, local government, or Indigenous community, you can take small steps with lasting impacts.
Homes and buildings ignite because of the materials, condition, and everything that surrounds them. The area within 30 m of the home is called the Home Ignition Zone. Within it are three priority areas, each requiring specific actions. Start by reducing your risk in the Immediate Zone and work your way outward.
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.
To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.
Learn how you can prepare yourself for a wildfire with some tips and tricks on wildfire preparedness.
