The High Level Forest Area is currently responding to multiple wildfires in the area, the majority of them are caused by lightning from recent thunderstorms.
Firefighters, airtankers and helicopters worked tirelessly yesterday to contain and extinguish many of the wildfires and continue to again today. None of these wildfires pose a threat to any communities at this time.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
Very little fire behaviour was observed on HWF047 north of High Level today (July 3, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.).
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. Wildfire behavior will challenge suppression efforts today.
There are currently 30 wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Of these, 13 are out of control, ten are being held, five 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 90 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 8,819 hectares (ha).
Since July 1, 33 new wildfires have been detected in the High Level Forest Area. The hard work and dedication of firefighters, aircraft personnel and heavy equipment operators were able to successfully extinguished many of the wildfires to being held, under control or extinguished. 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 received some rain today, giving relief for certain areas. Low lying smoke remains over some of the wildfires. The smoke and cloud cover helps keep the fire behaviour low by shading the sun from the ground, but it can impact visibility for aircraft and firefighters.
Today, the area experienced temperatures close to 24C and 45% relative humidity. Tomorrow, a max of 28C and 30% relative humidity with winds from the west 15-20 km/h gusting to 35 are forecasted. Light rain and thundershowers are expected into tomorrow, followed by hotter temperatures and little to no cloud cover.
HWF044 is currently OUT OF CONTROL. The wildfire is located approximately 40 km northeast of the Town of High Level (near Ponton) and estimated to be 275 ha. The wildfire does not pose a threat to any communities at this time. The cause is under investigation. There are 33 firefighters and five helicopters associated to this wildfire.
Firefighters assisted with helicopters continue to build containment line on the north side of the wildfire. Airtankers were not able to assist today due to smoke and visibly issues.
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 1,375 ha in size. The wildfire does not pose a threat to any communities at this time and the cause is under investigation.
There are 114 firefighters and support staff, ten helicopters along with heavy equipment associated to this wildfire. An incident management team has arrived in the forest area and taken over the management of this wildfire. Airtankers and night-vision helicopters are working on priority wildfires but are available to assist firefighters when needed.
Recent precipitation has helped diminish fire behaviour again today. This has allowed firefighters and helicopters to make good progress on containing the wildfire. Firefighters have worked up the east and west side of the wildfire and are now established on the north side where they're being supported by helicopters with water buckets.
A medium helicopter with a water bucket is setting down at the Footner Lake airtanker base (July 3, 2024).
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 525 ha in size. There is no threat to any communities at this time, the wildfire remains under investigation.
There are 40 firefighters assigned to this wildfire with three helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment. Firefighters are now established on the south perimeter and have begun searching for and extinguishing hotspots alongside helicopters. Airtankers are available when requested.
HWF061 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 40 km northeast of Jon D'or and 40 km north of Fox Lake. The fire does not pose a threat to any community. The wildfire is now estimated to be 2,133 ha in size and caused by lightning.
There are nine firefighters and one helicopter associated to this wildfire. Additional resources are on the way to support firefighting activities. An incident management team has arrived in High Level and will begin managing this wildfire tomorrow to relieve the forest area staff, allowing them to focus on new wildfire starts. The night-vision helicopter was able to lessen fire behaviour last night, creating a safe area for firefighters to begin working. The helicopter will return tonight if conditions allow.
HWF065 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL and estimated to be 25 ha in size. This wildfire was determined to be caused by lightning. Minimal growth was observed today, the wildfire received precipitation.
HWF070 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL approximately 65 km west of Zama City. It's estimated to be 5 ha in size and determined to be caused by lightning. Firefighters and helicopters are currently actioning this wildfire.
HWF081, HWF082, HWF083, HWF084 are currently burning OUT OF CONTROL within the Caribou Mountain Wildland P.P and estimated to be 23 ha, 1 ha, 360 ha and 84 ha respectively. The wildfires are determined to be caused by lightning. These wildfires are located approximately 60 km north of John D'Or Prairie.
To view these and other wildfires in the province, view our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.
Airtankers and water skimmers worked long hours yesterday, targeting key areas on multiple wildfires (July 2, 2024). **To view this video, open in a web browser**
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 148 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 to use 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.
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.
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., July 3)
The fire danger is mainly very high for the northeast corner of the province. It is mainly moderate with pockets of high to very high in the High Level Forest Area. Elsewhere in the Forest Protection Area, the fire danger is low. The agricultural zone is moderate to high towards the Saskatchewan border.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 582 wildfires burning a total of 36,351 ha.
Last year, on this date, there was 786 wildfires that burnt a total of 2,009,019 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 615 wildfires had burnt an average of 573,570 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.
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.
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.
Missed an issue of the High Level Forest area Wildfire Update? You can find previous updates on our website.
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.
