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 38 wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Of these, 13 are out of control, 10 are being held, and 15 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 140 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 198,993 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 east at 15 - 20 km/h. Little-to-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. Firefighters from Alaska have recently joined 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.
Residents of John D’Or Prairie, a community south of the Semo Wildfire Complex, check today’s update and the latest map on one of the local information boards. (July 19, 2024)
Weather Forecast | Semo Complex
Today, the weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 33C with a relative humidity (RH) of 20 percent and winds from the NE-east at 20 km/h. Tomorrow, we expect a high of 33C with an RH of 25 percent and winds from the SE at 15 km/h with some variations and gusts to 30 km/h. There is no precipitation is in the forecast until next week, which is expected to be minimal.
Crossover conditions (meaning temperatures higher than RH, which is conducive to burning) are present and expected to continue in the coming days.
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. This wildfire was determined to have been caused by lightning.
HWF061 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL 16 km northeast of Jon D'Or Prairie and 19 km north of Fox Lake. The fire perimeter is now approximately 5.2 km from highway 58. The wildfire is now estimated to be 61,989 ha in size and was determined to have been caused by lightning.
There is intense fire activity along the SW and south sides of the perimeter, which is presenting considerable challenges for firefighters and support personnel. The fire activity is expected to get more intense towards throughout 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 continues to work on the guard, as conditions permit – keeping safety as a top priority. This equipment group continues its work, as conditions permit, to widen the south access point to the wildfire, which should allow for better crew access. Due 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) continues to enhance the protection of infrastructure in Garden River and plans have been created for Fox Lake and John D’Or Prairie. The SPU continues to strengthen the plan for John D’Or Prairie. The incident management team, along with the support of GIS and other specialists, continues to assess this wildfire closely to determine the best way forward.
HWF081 is OUT OF CONTROL at 47,849 ha and continues to grow slowly under current conditions, although no significant runs have been observed. Firefighters and aircraft will monitor this fire and provide support when needed. The investigation found that this wildfire was caused by lightning.
HWF083 is OUT OF CONTROL at 32,840 ha. There is currently minimal activity on this wildfire. Firefighters will continue to monitor this wildfire and provide support when needed. The investigation found that this wildfire was caused by lightning.
HWF136 was detected July 16 at 3:20 pm and is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL at 3,189 ha in size. It is approximately 13 km northwest of Garden River and now 4.2 km north of highway 58. Its cause remains under investigation. There have been some equipment challenges; however, work on the guard continues around the perimeter, as conditions permit – keeping safety in mind as a top priority. Air operations have been limited due to off-and-on visibility issues; however, air tankers and helicopters are being used when conditions allow. Imported firefighters and equipment from Alaska have been assigned to focus specifically on this wildfire at this time.
Pioneer Hotshot crews from Alaska have arrived and will be focusing specifically on HWF136 (July 19, 2024).
HWF 141 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL north of HWF061 and east of HWF081, covering approximately 2,038 ha. No communities are currently threatened by this wildfire. Its cause is under investigation.
HWF143 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL approximately 13 km west and slightly south of Garden River (HWF143 is south of the highway) and covers an area of approximately 3 ha. Air tankers dropped retardant over the area late yesterday and an initial assessment was done; however, access to the fire was not possible. An initial attack crew is returning today. Its cause is under investigation.
There are currently 258 firefighters and support staff, 10 helicopters and 74 pieces of heavy equipment (including water trucks) 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.
Well-maintained equipment is essential when on the fireline for both safety and job efficiency. Wildland firefighters at the Amber River Complex worked on thoroughly cleaning and maintaining these water pumps. (July 18, 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 20 percent. Winds from the northeast/east 15-20 km, gusting 30 km. Little-to-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 can be expected over the next several days due to dry conditions. Smoke drift may be seen in communities where it hasn’t previously been seen due to shifting wind directions over the next couple days as well.
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 3,156 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, all crews will be working on the southern side of HWF030.
HWF065 is burning OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area 23,092 ha in size. This wildfire is about 15 km southwest of Bistcho Lake and was determined to have been caused by lightning.
HWF072 is burning OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area 7282 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 1602 ha in size and is located northwest of HWF065. 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 336 ha in size. The cause of this fire is under investigation. Air tankers have been used as needed.
HWF047 is burning OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated to cover an area of 1400 ha in size. This wildfire was determined to have been caused by lightning.
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 19)
The fire danger is extreme throughout the central and northern boreal. It is very high with moderate pockets in the southern boreal and the agricultural zone.
Since January 1, 2024 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 887 wildfires burning a total of 413,462 hectares (ha).
Last year, on this date, there were 869 wildfires that burnt a total of 2,160,117 ha. In the past five years on this date, an average of 731 wildfires had burnt an average of 624,386 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.
