High Level Area Update

There are 17 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, one is classified as out of control (OC) four are classified as being held (BH), 12 are under control (UC) and five are mutual aid fires. To see a map of the wildfires in the High Level Forest Area and across the province please click here.

• HWF-013 is classified as out of control. It is located approximately 20 km south of Wadlin Lake. This wildfire is 25 hectares in size. Crews continued to respond to this wildfire today and have made progress but it is still classified as out of control. There is no threat to communities at this time.   

Fires remaining on the landscape from last season are being observed for fire activity and resources are being deployed to extinguish hotspots as they are discovered.

Crews continue to work on extinguishing hotspots on active wildfires in the area. High level infrared scanning is planned for the coming week to determine if there are any other active spots in the forest area.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the High Level Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to continued drought, below average snow amounts and above average temperatures.

Under this advisory:

• Permits will be issued on a case by case basis
• No heavy fuel fire permits will be issued

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires *
• Backyard fire pits
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

1. a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
2. b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
3. c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
4. d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE. The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED

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. 

REVISIT WINTER BURN SITES

Anyone who has conducted winter burning is responsible for revisiting their burn sites and ensuring the fires are out. With the dry conditions last fall and lack of moisture in the ground, there is potential for fires lit this winter to continue to burn under the snow and re-emerge as wildfires in the spring.

To prevent spring holdover wildfires revisit your brush pile or windrow burning projects to ensure the fires are extinguished.

• Spread out the remaining material.
• Soak the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced.
• Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

FIRESMART

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how you can reduce the risk and negative impact of wildfire to your home, neighbourhood and community.