A FIRE RESTRICTION IS IN EFFECT FOR THE HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA.
TOMORROW - WILDFIRE INFORMATION STATION in John D’or at the band office - Tuesday, July 9 from 1-3 p.m.
The forest area may experience heavy smoke at times over their communities. Contact AB 811 for wildfire and smoke related health concerns.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473) to report it.
Dozers are an essential part of the firefighting community. The operators of this heavy equipment create safe areas for firefighters, while building containment lines by removing the vegetation that a wildfire could consume (July 2024).
A fire restriction is in place for the High Level and Fort McMurray Forest Areas.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION
The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area is now EXTREME. This means that forest fuels are extremely dry and pose a very serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which are very difficult to control.
There are currently 33 wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Of these, 10 are out of control, 11 are being held, and 12 are classified as under control. Two of these wildfires are carry-over fires from the 2023 season. There are also two wildfires along borders: one shared with B.C. and one with the N.W.T.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 111 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 51,921 ha.
You can view the location and statistics of these wildfires on our interactive map by following the active wildfire link. Visit our website to learn more about wildfire classifications.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | ACTIVE WILDFIRES OF INTEREST
WEATHER FORECAST Today, we expect a high of 31C and relative humidity (RH) of 25%, winds from the west at 15 km/h with no precipitation in the forecast.
Tomorrow, we anticipate a high of 35C and 15% RH with winds from the south at 10km/h, shifting to west 15-20 km/h occasionally gusting to 40 km/h. Lightning is predicted, but very little precipitation is in the forecast. Crossover conditions are anticipated again, as the temperature will be significantly above the relative humidity.
Given these cross-over conditions and anticipated winds from the south and west, very intense fire behaviour is expected, which will likely move to the north, initially, and then (later in the day) to the east.
HWF100 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL and is now estimated to be 606 ha in size. The wildfire is located 21 km northeast of Rainbow Lake and 25 km west of Chateh. The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
There are 35 firefighters, six helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment engaged on this wildfire today. It does not pose a threat to any community at this time.
Heavy equipment successfully built a dozer guard up to the river. Firefighters are now safely working along the guard, working their way into the burn while searching for and extinguishing hotspots with pumps and hose. Dozers have also tied into the river. Crews are now continuing to establish hose lay along the dozer line. Very little growth was seen on the east side of the wildfire; most of it was on the west, while slowly creeping into an old burn.
HWF102 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL, which is estimated to be 1,052 ha in size. The wildfire is located 34 km southeast of Tall Cree South and 38 km east of Wadlin Lake, and its cause was determined to have been caused by lightning.
There are nine firefighters and one helicopter assigned to the wildfire. Increased fire activity was observed yesterday and firefighters are set to return today to continue their work.
HCX001 - SEMO WILDFIRE COMPLEX | HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083
The Semo Wildfire Complex is located north of John D'Or Prairie, Garden River and Fox Lake. It includes the Caribou Mountains P.P, between the Ponton and the Wentzel River. This wildfire is currently being overseen by an incident management team. Additional resources have been requested and will be arriving in the coming days.
Expand (click) to view the full public map of the Semo wildfire complex.
INFORMATION STATION
Visit Alberta Wildfire staff for information, giveaways and kids games.
John D’or at the band office - Tuesday, July 9 from 1-3 p.m.
Fox Lake at the band office - Wednesday, July 10 from 1-3 p.m.
Garden River at the band office - Thursday, July 11 from 1-3 p.m.
Tomorrow, the weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 30C with a relative humidity of 25% with winds out of the southwest at 15-20 km/h with wind gust of 35-50 km/h. There is a heat warning as well as an extreme fire behaviour for tomorrow. This means that high intensity and very fast-moving spread will be expected. It will be a challenging day for firefighters tomorrow.
HWF053 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL approximately 53 km northeast of John D'or Prairie, 37 km northwest of Garden River and 41 north of Fox Lake. It's estimated to be 510 ha in size. The wildfire remains under investigation.
HWF061 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 40 km northeast of Jon D'or, 27 km north of Fox Lake and 32 km northwest of Garden River. The closest part of the wildfire is approximately 12 km to highway 58. The wildfire is growing with the significant heat wave over the last few days. Smoke cover can aid in lessening wildfire behaviour by keeping the sun and direct heat off the fire, but the coverage may not be consistent over the whole area of the fire. Rising temperatures will still play a factor in wildfire spread. The wildfire is now estimated to be 16,334 ha in size and has been determined to have been caused by lightning.
Heavy equipment operators continue both day and night to the southwest side of the fire to gain better access. Helicopters will continue to bucket along the north side of the fire as they work to secure the west side and down towards the south. Night-vision helicopters will work this fire overnight to extinguish hotspots when outside temperatures are much lower and the fire can be fought easier. Firefighters will begin actioning the fire when safe zones are completed and are ready to access. Airtankers will be used when they can be effective to aid in wildfire operations.
HWF081 is OUT OF CONTROL at 8,941 ha. When firefighters are safe to do so they will work the northwest edge of the perimeter to secure containment lines. This fire is challenging due to the high intensity of the fire, but crews are determined to gain ground, it will just take some time. Firefighters are being supported by helicopters that will bucket on priority areas.
HWF083 is OUT OF CONTROL at 13,104 ha continues to grow under dry conditions. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire and provide support when needed.
All of these wildfires are within the Caribou Mountain Wildland P.P. and have been determined to be caused by lightning. These wildfires are located approximately 50 km north of John D'Or Prairie.
There are 112 firefighters and support staff, eight helicopters and 18 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to the Semo Complex. Additional resources are on the way to support firefighting activities.
Garden River is now on 12-hour evacuation alert. For information related to evacuations. please visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx. You can also follow Little Red River Cree Nation’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/lrrcn or visit their website at: https://lrrcn.ab.ca/
Fire crews assigned to wildfires within the Semo Complex (on the east side of the High Level Forest Area) receive a safety briefing before starting their firefighting duties (July 8, 2024).
HCX002 - AMBER RIVER COMPLEX | HWF030, HWF072, HWF075, HWF076, HWF089, HWF101
An incident management team is in command of the personnel and resources assigned to the Amber River Complex and its six wildfires. There are currently 88 firefighters, nine helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment engaged on the wildfires within the Amber Complex. The wildfires in this complex do not currently threaten any communities.
HWF072 is burning OUT OF CONTROL and estimated to cover an area 2,435 ha in size. This wildfire, which is approximately 78 km northwest of Chateh and about 60 km west of Zama City, does not currently pose a threat to any communities and its cause is under investigation.
Firefighters are constructing helipads to increase safe access to working areas and improving containment lines along the perimeters. Airtankers are being used, when available, and as opportunities arise. These aerial fire suppression activities, and those of firefighters on the ground, are being augmented by the work of heavy equipment operators.
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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 currently pose a threat to any communities and its cause remains under investigation.
To view these and other wildfires in the province, view our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.
HTZ001 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.
Increased wildfire activity was observed today with the fire moving on to south perimeter, northeast of Bistcho Lake.
Firefighters are using natural breaks and airtankers to build containment line in hopes to reduce the spread towards the east.
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 8)
The fire danger danger is extreme in the northwest parts of the province. It is high to very high elsewhere.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 632 wildfires burning a total of 87,002 ha.
Last year, on this date, there were 820 wildfires that burnt a total of 2,153,449 ha. In the past five years on this date, an average of 638 wildfires had burnt an average of 603,132 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.
ALBERTA HEALTH WILDFIRE RESOURCES | You can visit Alberta Health Services for information on how you or your loved ones can access resources related to wildfire impacts and smoke concerns.
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.
Vegetation management, broadly speaking, is the modification of wildland fuels (vegetation that can contribute to wildfire is known simply as ‘fuel’) for the purpose of mitigating the potential intensities and impact of wildfire. Intuitively vegetation management as a strategy for reducing wildfire hazard makes a lot of sense: wildfire requires fuel, in the form of vegetation, to burn; if we can change the fuel, we can change the wildfires behaviour. For suggestions on landscaping tips, you can view the FireSmart Guide to Landscaping.
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.
