High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Update - April 29, 2024

Posted on Mon, Apr 29, 2024

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A fire restriction remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area.

The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area is now LOW.

The fire danger could increase quickly if warmer temperatures and lower humidity return. Keep watch of your surroundings when working or recreating outdoors. Any spark, friction or hot exhaust could start a wildfire. If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.


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FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area due to the accumulation of dry vegetation, which can catch easily and will burn quickly if conditions are right. 

Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable. Use extreme caution if you are doing any work that will produce a spark, friction or hot exhaust. A fire will quickly spread in dry and dead grass. If you’re using your OHV, remember to stop often, cool down your machine and check your hotspots. Grass can get stuck in the hot areas of your OHV, heat up and start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.

Under this restriction:

  • Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
  • Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.

Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:

  • All outdoor wood fires.
  • Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:

  • Safe wood campfires.
  • Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
  • Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. To view restriction boundaries, visit AlbertaFireBans.ca.

Fire Restriction Fact Sheet

Fire Restriction Map 


HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | APRIL 29, 2024

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 25 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area burning a total of 409 hectares (ha). Of these wildfires, two are classified as being held (BH) and three are under control (UC). To see a map of the wildfires in the High Level Forest Area and across the province, follow this link and click on the interactive map.

HWF013 is classified as being held. The wildfire is located approximately 20 km south of Wadlin Lake and estimated to be 25 hectares in size. This wildfire is being monitored for any activity and will be classified as extinguished once firefighters are confident no hotspots remain. There is no threat to communities at this time.

HWF021 is classified as being held and estimated to be 378 ha in size. There are no values at risk near this wildfire and there is no threat to communities at this time. The wildfire is being monitored for any activity and will be actioned as needed. 

There are 14 carry over wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season. Of these fires, 11 are classified as under control (UC), one is being held (BH) and two are mutual aid wildfires. The wildfires remaining on the landscape are being monitored for fire activity and resources are being deployed to extinguish hotspots as they are discovered.

Wildland firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots on active wildfires in the area. High level infrared scanning conducted by aircraft is being conducted to determine if there are any other active spots in the forest area. 


FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED

All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a burn permit, with the exception of campfire. At this time, the High Level Forest Area is not issuing any new burn permits and all existing permits have been suspended or cancelled.

High Level Forest Area | Permit Line - 780-926-5407

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans


FIRESMART

More so than ever before, Canadians are feeling the direct and indirect impacts of wildfire. There is a growing need for FireSmart education. FireSmart Canada has developed a FREE one-hour course for those who are getting started with FireSmart and want to learn more. Follow the link by clicking here

To learn more on how you can protect your farm or acreage, you can also download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.

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WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether 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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

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For more information, please contact:  

AREA INFORMATION COORDINATOR
Caroline Charbonneau, RPFT
SUPPORTING THE HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA
 
Alberta Forestry & Parks | AB Wildfire
Wildfire Information Officer for the Edson Forest Area
Cell:  780-740-1341
  
Caroline Button
 
 
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