If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473).
Hunters and others must avoid active wildfire areas — see maps below. Please also check the live interactive map before going into the backcountry.
Farmers and others are encouraged to get their burn and harvest permits now, while conditions are more conducive to safe burning — more information below.
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.
WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT
Recruitment is now open for unit crew and helitack crew leaders, sub-leaders and members. We’re looking for hard-working and dedicated people to join our team in a variety of roles for the 2025 wildfire season.
The Unit Crew (UNIT) program provides a distinct opportunity to join a 20-person crew. Unit crews are dedicated teams committed to containing and fully extinguishing larger fires in remote areas of the province.
The Helitack (HAC) program offers a unique opportunity to work as a team member within a four or eight-person crew. These crews are usually the first to respond to wildfires, transported by helicopter or deployed by ground to attack wildfires, sometimes with the assistance of air tankers or heavy equipment.
Applications for wildland firefighters will be accepted until Nov. 30. For more information, see the position-specific job descriptions for crew member and sub-leader and leader.
HUNTERS AND RECREATIONALISTS — AVOID THESE AREAS
Please stay away from areas where we are still working to control and extinguish wildfires. Frontline firefighters and heavy equipment operators continue their work on the ground and their safety — and yours — is a top priority.
There are many hazards that may not be visible in burnt areas, such as deep burning ash pits and falling trees. Burnt trees are a serious hazard, and trees that may look healthy, which have green needles or leaves, could have burnt-out roots under the ground and fall unexpectedly onto you or the road and block your vehicle.
Please stay away from areas where we are still actively working to control and extinguish wildfires: HWF072, which is approximately 150 km northwest of the Town of High Level, and north of Rainbow Lake along the B.C. border; and the five wildfires of the Semo Complex, which are approximately 120 km east of the Town of High Level, north of Highway 58 and the communities of John D'Or Prairie and Fox Lake, and northwest of the community of Garden River — towards the border with Wood Buffalo National Park.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION
There are currently 14 wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. Of these, 4 are being held and 10 are classified as under control. There is also one wildfire along the Alberta-N.W.T. border.
Since January 1, 2024, there have been 185 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 326,627 hectares (ha).
HWF072, which is BEING HELD, is located 45 km west of Zama City and 60 km northwest of Chateh. This wildfire is estimated to be 35,914 ha in size. There are currently 90 firefighting personnel, 7 helicopters and 21 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this wildfire. Heavy equipment operators continue working to establish and enhance containment lines — with a focus on the eastern perimeter and fully establishing 100-foot control lines along the east, towards the southern perimeter — while firefighters and helicopters with buckets work on hotspots. With ongoing scans, as required, hotspots are being identified and those areas prioritized for firefighters. This wildfire was caused by lightning.
HTZ001 (bordering on the N.W.T. to the north) is under control and being monitored. Please see NWT Wildfire Update Map and the South Slave SS009-24 Update for more information on the status of this and other fires on the N.W.T. side of the border.
HCX001 – Semo Complex (HWF061, HWF081, HWF083, HWF136, HWF141)
The Semo Wildfire Complex is located west of Garden River, and north of Fox Lake and John D'Or Prairie. All remaining wildfires in the complex are under control — meaning they are completely contained and will be extinguished.
There are currently approximately 60 firefighters and support personnel, 7 helicopters and 15 pieces of heavy equipment associated to the Semo Wildfire Complex. Due to the progress made in controlling these wildfires, there is no longer be an on-scene incident management team assigned to this complex, which is now being managed from Fort Vermilion.
HWF061, the largest of the complex's wildfires (105,871 ha), is still the main focus and firefighters continue their work to establish 100-foot control lines along the southern perimeter of this wildfire. Firefighters are also working on remaining hotspots on HWF136.
As we continue to make steady progress towards eventually extinguishing all wildfires in the complex, the number of resources (firefighting personnel, aircraft and equipment) may be gradually reduced. Adequate resources will be maintained to continue searching for and extinguishing remaining hotspots, reclamation, and monitoring of the entire complex.
Reclamation has begun on HWF061 and HWF136. This process, which is being done in close consultation with the Little Red River Cree Nation, involves turning the topsoil back over the containment lines, which were built by heavy equipment in areas that are no longer threatened by wildfire. Rolling back the topsoil will allow for new growth and re-generation of vegetation.
Heat scanning by rotor-wing aircraft continues, as required. These scans help firefighters locate hotspots, while positioning resources in priority areas to assist in controlling wildfires.
*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.
IF YOU PLAN TO BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT
Fire permits are now required for any outdoor burning with the exception of campfires.
Fire permits are free and can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local Forestry Office.
High Level Forest Area | Permit Line: 780-926-5407.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.
Prepare your burn pile and surrounding area properly, so that you can acquire your permit quickly and conduct your burn safely.
IF YOU PLAN TO HARVEST IT, GET YOUR PERMIT
Personal Use Forest Products Permits are for small-scale personal use only (no resale) for Christmas trees, firewood or transplants. These free permits are available online or in person at your nearest forestry office. The PUFPP entitles individuals to:
- Cut up to three Christmas trees under 2.5 m (approximately 8 feet in height and no more than 15 cm in diameter at the stump).
- Transplant up to 20 trees less than 2.5 m in height.
- Cut up to 5 cubic metres (5 m3) of firewood. The number of trees cut depends on tree species and size and is approximately:
- 5 to 7 large coniferous trees (generally trees with needles), or
- 4 to 6 deciduous trees (generally trees with leaves), or
- 5 m3 is approximately 1.5 cords (approximately 3 level 1/2 ton pickup truck boxes). - Cut up to 5 m3 of roundwood timber (fence posts or poles).
PUFPPs authorize Albertans to cut and removed timber from designated Crown land only. The area-specific PUFPP document must be with you at all times while cutting or transporting trees from Crown land. In one 30-day period, a person can hold up to 4 permits – up to one permit each for firewood, Christmas trees. round-wood and transplants.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - "NIGHT MARKET" IN HIGH LEVEL
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Alberta Wildfire supported the Town of High Level's "Night Market" at Jubilee Park (Oct. 5), providing attendees with information on campfire safety, safe burning of debris, and burn permits, while also facilitating the making of smores — marshmallows, chocolate and cookies combined — for about 200 adults and children (see two images above).
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
