A FIRE BAN IS IN EFFECT FOR THE HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA.
Garden River remains under an evacuation order, as of July 10, 2024.
The forest area may experience heavy smoke over communities at times. Contact 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) immediately.
This update is best viewed on a web browser or the AB Wildfire Status App | View previous High Level Forest Area Updates. Bold indicates new or important information.
A fire ban is in effect as of July 10 in the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the High Level Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.
Cities, towns, villages and summer villages, as well as federal lands (such as national parks), are exempt from this ban. These jurisdictions have the authority to issue their own bans and may have complementary bans in place.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see if a fire ban or restriction is in place in your area.
Under this fire ban:
- All fire permits are suspended or cancelled.
- No new fire permits will be issued.
- Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits
- Barbeque charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires inside a structure (such as a facility, building, tent or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
- Open flame oil devices (such as deep fryers and tiki torches). All devices must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION
The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area is EXTREME. This means that forest fuels are extremely dry and pose a serious fire risk. Fast-spreading, high-intensity fires are likely, which are very difficult to control.
There are currently 36 wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Of these, 8 are out of control, 14 are being held, and 14 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 136 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 168,649 hectares (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 35C with relative humidity (RH) of 25 percent and winds from the west at 15 - 20 km/h, gusting up to 35 km/h. No precipitation is forecast.
HCX001 – Semo Complex (HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083, HWF136)
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. Yesterday, firefighters from Alaska arrived to join those from Alberta, Ontario. P.E. I and New Brunswick already on the incident. Additional resources have been requested and will be arriving in the coming days.
Firefighters discuss plans for the day with the Semo Complex operations chief (left) to clarify details related to their tasks (July 18, 2024).
Weather Forecast | Semo Complex
Today, the weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 32C with a relative humidity of 20 percent and winds from the S-SW at 20 km/h, gusting at times to 35 km/h. No precipitation is in the forecast today.
Smoke
Smoke columns may be visible into the afternoon as hot and dry conditions persist. This is expected as the complex is under a fire behaviour advisory, meaning that fast moving fire is anticipated.
HWF053 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL. It's estimated to be 709 ha in size.
HWF061 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 16 km northeast of Jon D'Or Prairie and 19 km north of Fox Lake. The nearest fire perimeter is 30 km northwest of Garden River. The fire perimeter is approximately 9 km from highway 58. The wildfire is now estimated to be 51,203 ha in size and was determined to have been caused by lightning.
There is active fire activity along the southwest side of the perimeter, which is presenting considerable challenges for firefighters and support personnel. The fire activity is expected to get more intense towards the end of the week, as the hot and dry weather continues – often with cross-over conditions (where temperatures are higher than relative humidity), which is conducive to more intense fire behaviour. Heavy equipment is working on the southeast side to build dozer guard towards the northeast. This equipment group will also work to widen the south access point to the wildfire for better crew access.
Due to a weather inversion in the mornings and low laying smoke, access to the fire is limited and crews will work along the south perimeter when it is safe to do so. Air operations (heli-bucketing and air tankers) continue as weather and overall conditions permit.
The structure protection unit (SPU) that was called in to protect infrastructure in Garden River has completed their work and will continue to maintain their system in the community as a precaution. As a precautionary measure, structure protection plans have been created for Fox Lake and John D’Or Prairie. The SPU was in John D’Or Wednesday, further assessing the community and the protection plan.
The incident management team, along with the support of GIS and other specialists, is assessing this wildfire closely to determine the best way forward. NVIS (night vision) scans have been requested to acquire more details related to wildfire activity and intensity, which will assist in the planning process.
HWF081 is OUT OF CONTROL at 46,656 ha continues to grow under current conditions. At this time no significant runs have been observed. Firefighters and aircraft will monitor this fire and provide support when needed.
HWF083 is OUT OF CONTROL at 30,161 ha. There is currently minimal activity on this wildfire. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire and provide support when needed.
HWF136 was detected July 16 at 3:20 pm and is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL at 88 ha in size. It is approximately 18 km northwest of Garden River and 8 km north of highway 58. Its cause remains under investigation. Firefighters from Alaska have been assigned to focus on this wildfire. Heavy equipment continues to work on the dozer guard around the perimeter. Due to low visibility, helicopters are having difficulty bucketing on the fire.
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 35-40 km north of John D'Or Prairie.
There are 236 firefighters and support staff, 10 helicopters and 62 pieces of heavy equipment (including water vehicles) assigned to the Semo Complex. Additional resources are on the way to support firefighting activities.
EVACUATION ALERTS AND ORDERS
Alberta Emergency Alert has stated that Garden River is under an evacuation order. To find more details please visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx and open the more details tab.
You can also follow Little Red River Cree Nation’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lrrcn or their website https://lrrcn.ab.ca/.
Updates will be posted daily on the information board at the entrance to Horizon Camp in John D’Or Prairie at approximately 9:45 a.m.
HCX002 - AMBER RIVER COMPLEX | BISTCHO LAKE (HTZ001), HWF030, HWF065, HWF072, HWF075 and HWF091
An incident management team is responsible for the personnel and resources assigned to the Amber River Complex and its seven wildfires: Bistcho Lake (HTZ001), HWF030, HWF065, HWF072, HWF074, HWF075 and HWF091). There are currently 134 personnel, 12 helicopters and 5 pieces of heavy equipment working on the wildfires within the Amber Complex. The wildfires in this complex do not currently threaten any communities. As opportunities arise, infrared scanning will take place to aid in identified priority areas for resource placement.
Helicopters have been actively supporting ground crews with bucketing and transportation on the Amber River Complex. (July 17, 2024)
Weather Forecast | Amber River Complex
Today, the weather forecast is expecting temperatures reaching 33C for most of the Amber River Complex area with relative humidity dipping to 15-20%. Winds will switch from southeast in the morning to southwest and west by later evening. Wind speed is anticipated from 10–15 km/h with gusts from 35-40 km/h. No rain is in the forecast for today.
Smoke
Smoke columns may be visible for residents in nearby communities into the afternoon and evening as these times are usually peak burning periods. Intense fire behaviour is expected Thursday due to dry conditions.
HTZ001 is a mutual aid wildfire that originated in the border zone with the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) in 2023. The BISTCHO LAKE section of HTZ001, which is estimated to cover an area of 95,000 ha, is actively burning on the NE and SE sides of Bistcho Lake, and its status is OUT OF CONTROL.
Impacts from smoke drift may limit operational abilities on this wildfire today. Structural protection is set up and running on traditional cabins and other remote structures around Bistcho Lake. Crews continue to monitor wildfire behaviour and growth while assessing for impacts to values.
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.
HWF030 is OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area 3,200 ha in size. The cause of this fire is under investigation. By Tuesday end of day, dozers completed a catguard along the south side of the fire, and Firetack crews began to establish hose lines along the containment line. Today, Firetack crews are working on new catguards with pump and hose while bucket ships support crews to consolidate lines.
HWF065 is burning OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area 17,239 ha in size. This wildfire is about 15 km southwest of Bistcho Lake and was determined to have been caused by lightning. Crews continue to monitor wildfire behaviour and assess for impacts to values, ensuring identified values are not impacted and are mitigated.
HWF072 is burning OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area 3,700 ha in size. This wildfire was determined to have been caused by lightning. 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. Further growth was observed to the northeast.
HWF075 is UNDER CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area 3 ha in size. This wildfire was determined to have been caused by lightning.
HWF091 is BEING HELD and is estimated to cover an area 775 ha in size and is located northwest of HWF065. As of Wednesday early evening, lots of fire activity was seen on the north and east ends of this wildfire. Monitoring continues on this wildfire for potential threats.
OTHER FIRES IN THE HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA
HWF133 is burning OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area 29 ha in size. The cause of this fire is under investigation. Air tankers have been used to drop retardant as needed.
To view these and other wildfires in the province, view our interactive map by following the active wildfire link.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE SITUATION (as of 10 a.m., July 17)
The fire danger is very high to extreme across most of the province.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 868 wildfires burning a total of 358,268 hectares (ha).
Last year, on this date, there were 867 wildfires that burnt a total of 2,160,079 ha. In the past five years on this date, an average of 725 wildfires had burnt an average of 622,205 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
At this time, the High Level Forest Area is not issuing any permits. All existing permits are currently suspended.
High Level Forest Area | Permit Line: 780-926-5407. Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Fire Bans.
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 is the modification of wildland fuels for the purpose of mitigating the potential intensities and impact of wildfire. 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 wildfire's 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
- Visit firesmoke.ca to view smoke drifts in the area
- Call 811 for smoke related health concerns
- For evacuation information please visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx
- 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.
- 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.
