This means that fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire. The early start is due to the drought conditions occurring in many areas of the province, which could lead to elevated fire danger if we do not receive significant rain in the spring.
The fire danger rating for the High Level Forest Area is low. As of February 22, 2024, there is a Fire Advisory in effect for the High Level Forest Area.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
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:
- a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
- b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
- 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
- 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.
Crews and equipment working on the Basset fire.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | MARCH 5, 2024
There are 17 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, two are classified as being held (BH),10 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.
As there are many fires still on the landscape firefighters and staff have been observing fire behaviour and monitoring hotspots during the winter months. Some fires within the HLFA are being working on by crews and equipment, see below for more info.
Did you know, snow and cold lessen fire behaviour but do not put out fires, however smoke and steam help firefighters locate hotspot areas. Snow can act as an insulator and keep fire hot in the ground. Crews are working on hotspot areas by using equipment to dig up and expose the deep burning peat.
PASKWA FIRE | HWF030
The Paskwa fire is a carryover fire from the 2023 season. This fire is classified as under control (UC) at 96,582 hectares.
Alberta Wildfire crews and heavy equipment will be working on hotspots within the community boundary that were identified by a recent scan of the area. Crews will be working on these areas this week. The previous work that was done on hotspots in the east field is complete.
BASSET FIRE | HWF058
The Basset fire is a carryover fire from the 2023 season. This fire is classified as being held (BH) at 234,061 hectares.
Crews and heavy equipment are working on hotspots on the southwest and southeast perimeter of this fire. Work is ongoing and crews are making good progress.
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.
To learn more on how you can protect your home and structures from wildfire, download the Farm and Acreage FireSmart magazine.
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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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