Hunters and others must avoid active wildfire areas — please see the live interactive map before going into the backcountry. Also, be sure your warming fire is FULLY EXTINGUISHED before you leave: Soak, stir, and then soak again until cool to the touch.
Recruitment for wildland firefighters is open until Nov. 30. Apply now — see below for additional information.
While permits are not required starting Nov. 1, farmers and others are still expected to burn debris in a safe manner. With cooler temperatures and increased moisture, conditions are more conducive to safe burning, but risks remain — especially from smoke, which can cause visibility issues for drivers.
Prepare your debris pile and surrounding area properly, so that you can conduct your burn safely. Be sure your pile is "clean", meaning without significant soil (dirt) within — as soil slows down burning, causing fires to smoulder and produce more smoke (or even an ice fog in colder conditions), which may become a hazard to drivers and others in the area.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION
There are currently 12 wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area. All 12 are now classified as under control. There is also one wildfire along the Alberta-N.W.T. border, which is also under control.
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 now under control, 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. While there are currently about 50 firefighting personnel, and 4 helicopters and 21 pieces of heavy equipment, assigned to this wildfire, we have started an operational (tactical) withdrawal of personnel to allow a pause of about a month — starting Nov. 1. This break, expected to last into December, will allow for freeze-up and access for water trucks and other vehicles, as the current weather is hampering access to water sources for bucketing and our field pumps. This break will also allow a detailed review of the ground fire and for the next operational steps to be determined.
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. Due to the progress made in controlling and eventually extinguishing all these wildfires, there is no longer an on-scene incident management team assigned to this complex, which is now being managed from Fort Vermilion.
While there are currently 35 firefighters and support personnel, and 3 helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment, associated to the Semo Wildfire Complex, there will be an operational (tactical) pause on the Semo Complex starting Nov. 1 and lasting into December. This pause will allow for freeze-up and access for water trucks and other vehicles — now that water sources for bucketing and field pumps are increasingly unusable due to cooler weather. A detailed review of all ground fires in the complex will be conducted and the next operational steps determined.
Reclamation, which is being done in close consultation with the Little Red River Cree Nation, involves turning the topsoil back over the containment lines that 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. Much of this reclamation process has been completed and the remainder will be finished in the new year. Un-reclaimed portions will be used for access and continued fire operations, as required.
*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.
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.
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.
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.
FIRESMART YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY
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.
Now that fall is quickly approaching, we ask farm and acreage owners to start thinking about FireSmart options for their property. Here are some tips to get you started:
Move your woodpile: Resist the temptation to pile your firewood close to your house or deck. Rather, the recommendation is to store firewood a minimum of 10 metres (30 feet) away from any structures.
It's never too late to participate. Learn how you can FireSmart your home and property! 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