Due to the return in hot temperatures, fires within the forest area are seeing a return in fire activity. Please stay informed on the fire situation. Subscribe to the High Level Forest Area updates to get an email notification every time a new update is posted. To report a wildfire, 310-FIRE(3473).
FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT | AS OF JUNE 22, 2023
A fire restriction is in effect for the High Level, Peace River and Fort McMurray Forest Areas, as well as the northern part of the Grande Prairie Forest Area.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are suspended, and cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets is also prohibited.
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires on private lands and in provincial campgrounds.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances.
- Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
- Cooking, warming and lighting devices – all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.
Stay away from active wildfire areas | For your safety and to ensure firefighters can do their job safely, please stay away from active wildfire areas. Your cooperation is essential.
Danger trees | Be extra cautious near burnt areas and avoid forested areas that have been recently affected by wildfire. Hazards remain from deep ash pits, burning peat and falling trees or branches, especially if windy.
Reporting wildfires | Please do not report smoke or flame from within an active wildfire area. Firefighters are diverted from essential tasks to respond to fires reported by the public. You may see smoke or flame within the existing boundary of a wildfire, this is normal.
Smoke | Lingering smoke may still be visible in some areas and in affected communities. Smoke inversions can trap air near the ground causing dangerous driving conditions and poor air quality. Please use extra caution when driving in smoky conditions, and take necessary precautions if you have smoke-related health concerns.
Drones | The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. *Transport Canada
The Basset fire is classified as out of control (OC) at as last recorded size of 29,809 hectares. Photo | June 29, 2023.
WEATHER |
The forecast for tomorrow is as follows, a temperature of 26 degrees, a relative humidity of 35 percent with strong winds southwest 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h.
With the return in hot temperatures and gusty winds, fires within the forest area are seeing a return in fire activity. Tomorrow there will be crossover conditions, this is when the temperature is higher then the humidity. These conditions continue to challenge firefighters, heavy equipment and aircrafts control lines.
THE BASSET FIRE | HWF058 | JUNE 29, 2023 AS OF 8:30 PM
This fire is located approximately 13 km northwest of the of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement boundary marker, where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) with a last recorded size of 29,809 hectares.
Firefighters and heavy equipment's control lines were challenged as there was an increase in activity again today. The fire has seen growth on the, east and southwest sides of the fire. The east side continued to grow towards the Chinchaga River today. This evening it has been confirmed the fire has crossed over to the east side. This area where the fire has crossed the river is approximately 18 km north of where the Haig River meets the Chinchaga River.
Firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft are worked together to cool hotspots in priority areas and establish guards along the south and southeast side, to prevent spread towards the community of Paddle Prairie. In addition, heavy equipment has made good progress creating control lines on the south side of the fire. With the return in hot temperatures and crossover conditions, fire behaviour is expected to continue to challenge crews and aircraft again tomorrow.
Structural protection crews have established protection on structures along the Chinchaga River. There are 48 wildland and structural firefighters, 9 helicopters, support staff and heavy equipment working on this fire. Airtankers are available as needed.
The IMT continues to work closely with locals on understanding the local landscape and getting access to the fire ground as well as communicate with council as the fire situation changes.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | JUNE 29, 2023 AS OF 12:30 PM
There are 13 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, four are classified as out of control (OC), three are being held (BH) and six are under control (UC). Please see the updates below regarding information on the Paskwa - Davidson Complex, Long Lake Fire (HWF036), Beach Road Fire, and the Basset Fire (HWF058). To see a map of the wildfires in the High Level Forest Area and across the province please click here.
Wildfires of interest;
HWF072 | This fire is located approximately 17 km west of Wadlin Lake. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) at 350 hectares. There has been no significant growth reported as crews and airtanker support continue to make progress on establishing control lines on the north and south sides of the fire. There are 34 firefighters, and 3 helicopters working on this fire. There are no communities at risk at this time.
THE BEACH ROAD FIRE | HWF064| JUNE 29, 2023 AS OF 12:30 PM
This fire was detected June 9, 2023. This fire is classified as out of control (OC) with a last recorded size of 4,526 hectares. The size is smaller due to a more accurate tight lined GPS of the fire. This fire is being managed by an Incident Management Team (IMT). The fire is located approximately 10km northwest of Zama City. Crews, aircraft and heavy equipment continue to make progress on the south and east side to prevent spread towards the community of Zama City.
Heavy equipment continues to create guards around the community. Structure protection units are in place in the community and are ready if needed. Firefighters are also working with industry partners to protect critical infrastructure. There are 50 wildland and structural firefighters, 5 helicopters, support staff and heavy equipment working on this fire. Airtankers are available as needed.
THE LONG LAKE FIRE | HWF036 | JUNE 29, 2023 AS OF 12:30 PM
This fire is classified as Being Held (BH) with a last recorded size of 168,672 hectares. Being Held means given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past predetermined boundaries.
The fire is still active on the western and northwestern sides, moving towards the British Columbia border. The northeast guard protecting the community of Chateh continues to hold with limited activity fire along this edge. Firefighters continue to monitor and strengthen containment lines. Vegetation inside the fire perimeter continues to burn and firefighters continue to mop up hotspots as they arise. Aircraft worked to cool hotspots west of the Town of Rainbow Lake yesterday.
There are 70 firefighters, support staff, 10 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this fire.
Please be aware that there is still active fire burning in the area. Residents are reminded not to enter the fire area due to large number of firefighters, and equipment working. Burnt trees continue to fall which are dangerous.
BC have also observed increased activity with their three fires on the border. They are in remote country with no community and are being monitored by air. The Long Lake Fire Complex, Incident Management Team is in daily contact with the BC Wildfire Service. For more information on these fires please go BC Wildfire Service (gov.bc.ca)
Dozer guards have been created to protect the community of Garden River. June 29, 2023.
THE PASKWA - DAVIDSON COMPLEX | JUNE 29, 2023 AS OF 12:30 PM
High Level Forest Area fires HWF030, HWF075 and Fire 8, 9, 11, 13 and 14 in the Wood Buffalo National Park are being managed by the IMT on the Paskwa - Davidson complex. Alberta Wildfire and Parks Canada are working together to manage these wildfires.
HWF030 | The Paskwa fire was detected on May 2, 2023. It extends along the south side of the Peace River from the community of Fox Lake into Wood Buffalo National Park and is approximately 8 km south of the community of Garden River. The wildfire is estimated at 96,582 hectares and this fire is classified as out of control (OC).
Crews continue their work in the community of Fox Lake working on hotspots with heavy equipment as there are areas within the community that area burning deep in peat moss. Crews continue to remove danger trees within the community as they’re spotted. Helicopters also continue to assist firefighters working on cooling hotspots in priority areas.
Smoky conditions continue in the community as crews pile and burn off debris. This is a controlled and monitored practice to get rid of unwanted downed trees that have been piled to burn off and clean-up the wildfire zone. These burning piles are burning on bare mineral soil and are located away from any structures in town.
The high-volume water system, water lines, and sprinkler systems on structures are still in place in the community of Garden River and structural firefighters are available as needed. These are proactive measures to ensure the community is prepared should the fires move closer to Garden River. These systems are tested every morning for efficiency in the equipment. Dozer guards around the community have also been created by heavy equipment.
There are 165 firefighters, support staff, 10 helicopters, and 44 heavy equipment working on the Paskwa - Davidson Complex.
HWF075 | This fire is approximately 24 km west of Garden River, and 2 km north of highway 58. This fire is classified as under control (UC) at 13 hectares. Crews are continuing to work on this fire and are mopping up hotspots.
Wood Buffalo National Park | Davidson Lake Complex (Wildfires 8, 9, 11, 13, 14)
For information regarding fires burning within the Wood Buffalo National Park, please click here.
Evacuation Alerts and Information
Little Red River Cree Nation has an evacuation order in place for the community of Fox Lake. The community of Garden River remains on an evacuation alert. For information regarding the evacuation, please stay informed by visiting the Little Red River Cree Nation’s Facebook page.
WEATHER | PASKWA
The forecast for today is as follows, a temperature of 32 degrees, a relative humidity of 30 percent with winds south 10-15 km/h.
DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES!
The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. *Transport Canada
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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
WILDFIRE LINKS AND TOOLS
Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province can contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.
There are multiple EVACUATION ORDERS & ALERTS in the Province. Please visit Alberta Emergency Alerts or your community webpage for more information.
For road closure information, please visit: 511.alberta.ca
Wildfire smoke is a tool used for the location of smoke firesmoke.ca
To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.
WILDFIRE PREPARDNESS | Learn how you can prepare yourself for a wildfire by clicking here.
.png?width=1200&name=wildfire%20app%20(2).png)
Victoria Ostendorf
Wildfire Information Officer
High Level Forest Area
Mobile: 780-841-9387
Email: victoria.ostendorf@gov.ab.ca