Wildfires of note

August 24, 2023

Posted on Thu, Aug 24, 2023

There are two wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Basset Complex (HWF-058, PWF-067, PWF-079)

  • Wildfires HWF-058, PWF-067 and PWF-079 are part of the Basset Complex and are being managed together.
  • Wildfire HWF-058 is located 12 km northwest of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. It is classified as out of control at 39,589 hectares.
  • Wildfire PWF-067 is located 9 km west of highway 35 and 10 km south of the Keg River. It is classified as being held at 5,248 hectares.
  • There are firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment working on this complex.
  • Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots and strengthening containment lines. They are assisted by helicopters who are bucketing in the area. Heavy equipment continues to extend the containment lines.

Wood Buffalo Complex (MNZ003, NWT SS069)

  • Alberta Wildfire, Parks Canada and the Northwest Territories are working together on this wildfire under Unified Command.
  • Wood Buffalo complex is currently 459,905 hectares in size. It is located approximately 4 km south of Fort Smith, NWT and 3.1 km south of Fort Fitzgerald, AB.
  • There are firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment working on this complex.
  • Crews have been working along the northern flanks with helicopter bucketing, strengthening dozer guards and direct attack to try to stop its spread. Last weeks conditions provided crews with the opportunity to do this necessary work.
  • Warm, dry weather has caused an increase in fire behaviour and will likely continue over the next coming days.
  • Team members will use direct suppression strategies whenever safe working conditions allow. Crews are working to maintain and improve already established structure protection systems.
  • For information on wildfires within Wood Buffalo National Park, click here.
  • For more information on wildfires within Northwest Territories, click here.

For more information on wildfires in Alberta please visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

This information is updated daily.


A wildfire of note is determined to be of significant public interest and may pose a threat to public safety, communities or critical infrastructure.

Wildfires of note do not typically include mutual aid wildfires located outside of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Alberta Wildfire provides assistance on a mutual aid wildfire but is not the lead agency.


The Forest Protection Area of Alberta is divided into ten forest areas. Find the latest updates for each area or subscribe to receive them in your inbox. 

Calgary Forest Area 

Edson Forest Area 

Fort McMurray Forest Area 

Grande Prairie Forest Area 

High Level Forest Area 

Lac La Biche Forest Area 

Peace River Forest Area 

Rocky Mountain House Forest Area 

Slave Lake Forest Area 

Whitecourt Forest Area