High Level Area Update

High Level Forest Area Update | August 26, 2022

Posted on Fri, Aug 26, 2022

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The High Level Forest Area's fire danger remains VERY HIGH. Please use caution in the forested areas. Firefighters have responded to three new wildfires today. If you see smoke of flames in the forest, please call 310-FIRE(3473).

HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | AUGUST 26, 2022 AT 3:00 PM

There are ten wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, two are classified as Out of Control, four are Being Held (BH) and four are Under Control (UC). For more information or to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit Wildfire Status | AAF - Agriculture and Forestry (alberta.ca). 

WILDFIRE OF INTREST:

  • HWF087 - This wildfire is approximately 2 hectares in size and is classified as Out of Control (OC). It is located 52km south of South Tall Cree on the east side of highway 35. Firefighters and a helicopter are working on this fire. Smoke may be visible from highway 35.
  • HWF086- This wildfire is approximately 11 hectares in size and is classified as Being Held (BH). It is located 20km west of Steen River on the west side of highway 35. Firefighters, and helicopters working on this wildfire. Smoke may be visible from the highway.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the High Level Forest Area (HLFA), there have been 88 wildfires burning a total of 15,452 hectares.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 963 wildfires which burned a total of 118,515 hectares.

SMOKEY CONDITIONS

Smoke from wildfires in Alberta, NWT and other parts of Canada has drifted into the High Level Forest Area. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811.Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.

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FARM EQUIPMENT CAN START WILDFIRES

There have been a few farm equipment fires in the High Level Forest Area due to hot debris building up on equipment and sparking a wildfires. Remember to stop frequently and check your equipment and clean any debris build up to help prevent a wildfire. 

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A FIRE ADVISORY remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, no new fire permits will be issued. All existing permits remain valid but a renewal may not be issued.

Prohibited:

  • Without a valid fire permit, any burning 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.


READY TO RESPOND

Lookout towers in the area are on alert and firefighters are prepositioned around the High Level Forest Area ready to respond to any new wildfires. To report a wildfire please call 310-FIRE(3473).

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BURN IT WITH A PERMIT

From March 1st to October 31st, a fire permit is required for any type of outdoor burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta with the exception of a campfire for cooking or warming. Fire permits help ensure that when smoke or fire is reported, wildfire officials can determine whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn.

Albertans living or recreating in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.

Fire permits can still be requested over the phone by calling the High Level Forest Area permit line at 780-926-5407.

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THE FOREST PROTECTION AREA OF ALBERTA

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development (AFRED) is responsible for all aspects of wildfire management within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) of Alberta. This includes wildfire prevention, wildfire response, permit issuance, enforcement and the initiation of fire advisories, restrictions, bans and forest area closures. Authority for these actions is granted under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act and supporting regulations.

The FPA covers approximately 62% of the province, and is divided into 10 Forest Areas. Each Forest Area manages their own fire centre, fire bases, airtanker bases and wildfire lookouts. Resources are moved throughout the areas as required, and coordinated through the Alberta Wildfire Coordination Centre in Edmonton. Note that cities, towns, villages and summer villages, even if embedded within the FPA, are outside of AFRED’s jurisdiction. The local municipality or governing authority is responsible for wildfire management on their land base.

2022 FPA Map

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 Updates 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: 

High Level Forest Area | Wildfire Information Officer

Victoria Ostendorf

Mobile: 780-841-9387

Office: 780-926-5401

Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca

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