With recent rain the fire danger has been reduced to high and fire activity has also reduced. However, strong winds are in the forecast so please stay informed and listen to your local authority for alerts.
FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT | SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
A fire restriction is in effect for the High Level Forest Area, due to warm, dry and windy conditions. The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas.
- Fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires on private lands and in designated 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 that are CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.
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.
WEATHER |
Today the forecasted temperature is 14 degrees a relative humidity of 60 percent with winds southwest 15 to 20 gusting up to 35 km/h becoming west/northwest 10 to 15 km/h this evening. Monday, the temperature is 15 degrees, a relative humidity of 50 percent with winds east/southeast 25 to 30 gusting up to 45 to 50 km/h.
HIGH LEVEL FOREST AREA | WILDFIRE SITUATION | SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 AS OF 2:30 PM
There are 23 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area. Of these fires, two are classified as out of control (OC), 15 are being held (BH) and six are under control (UC). To see a map of the wildfires in the High Level Forest Area and across the province please click here.
wildfires of interest;
HTZ001 | A wildfire from the Northwest Territories has entered the High Level Forest Area, northwest of Indian Cabins. The wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) and is approximately 14 km west of highway 35. This wildfire has a last recorded size of 215,632 hectares. Airtankers have established retardant lines to protect nearby infrastructure and crews have established structure protection at Indian Cabins. This fire is being monitored. For more information on this wildfire north of the Alberta border, visit the NWT Fire Info Facebook page or website. For any road closures please visit 511.alberta.ca
THE BASSET FIRE (HWF058) | SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 AS OF 2:30 PM
An Incident Management Team (IMT) is managing this wildfire.
HWF058 | This wildfire is classified as out of control (OC) with a last recorded size of 249,798 hectares in size. This wildfire is approximately 43km west of the Town of High Level, 30 km southwest of Meander, 15 km from the northwest corner boundary of the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, and 38 kilometers west of highway 35 south.
Due to the close proximity of this fire Dene Tha First Nation has issued an evacuation order for the community of Chateh and an evacuation alert in place for the community of Meander. Alberta Wildfire staff are in constant communications with community partners as the situation changes and are working on plans together for further protections around communities.
Smoky conditions and light rain overnight have helped reduce fire behaviour but have challenged aircraft visibility. Crews continue to establish structure protection in the community of Chateh. Heavy equipment has begun creating control lines on the west and east side of the fire, working north and south off of highway 58 and are being supported by ground crews. Heavy equipment is making great progress on creating a contingency line, west of the Town of High Level, working west off of highway 35 near West Fraser and then heading north towards highway 58.
This fire has impacted the power line that runs along highway 58 resulting in the loss of power to the communities of Rainbow Lake, Chateh and Zama City. ATCO crews have assessed the damage and are working to replace poles. Highway 58 remains closed at this time. For updates on road closure information check 511.alberta.ca.
On the southeast side, heavy equipment has completed control lines around the southeast side of the fire working east along the fire perimeter. The guards in place on the south end of the wildfire continue to hold.
There are 163 firefighters, support staff, 27 helicopters and 63 pieces of heavy equipment working on this fire. Additional resources have been requested.
THE LONG LAKE FIRE (HWF036) | SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 AS OF 2:30 PM
An Incident Management Team (IMT) is managing this fire.
Please note with the recent fire activity fire HBZ001 that came over from British Columbia, and fire PWF093 in the Peace River Forest Area have joined together.
HWF036 | This wildfire is classified as being held (BH) at 248,556 hectares. Being held means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
Crews continue to work on hotspots along the eastern perimeter and heavy equipment continues to strengthen and extend the containment lines in key areas. Crews also are working to protect critical infrastructure on the southeast side. The northeast guard protecting the community of Chateh continues to hold. Smoky conditions continue to challenge aircraft access.
The Town of Rainbow Lake in consultation with the Dene Tha' First Nation, Mackenzie County and Alberta Wildfire have restricted access to areas southwest and west of the Town of Rainbow Lake. There are barricades placed to restrict access both west and south of the Town of Rainbow Lake due to safety concerns. South of Baseline (Bivouac) Road up to the BC boarder, and south of the Town of Rainbow Lake including the lake itself including areas further south. This area is seeing intense wildfire behaviour and is dangerous to the public. The Town of Rainbow Lake is working closely with partners to monitor the situation and will inform the public once the area is safe to travel in again.
There are 42 firefighters, support staff, 7 helicopters and 30 pieces of heavy equipment working on this fire.
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.
Dangerous 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
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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 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.
To see all the wildfires burning in Alberta click here.
WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS | Learn how you can prepare yourself for a wildfire by clicking here.