Wildfires of note

September 28, 2023

Posted on Thu, Sep 28, 2023

There is one wildfire of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Basset Fire (HWF-058)

  • Wildfire HWF-058 is classified as out of control at 252,040 hectares.
  • HWF-058 is approximately 20 km east of Chateh, 43 km 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.
  • Recent rain has lowered fire activity on wildfire HWF-058. Firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots and are assisted by helicopters who are bucketing in the area. 
  • Heavy equipment has completed control lines around the southeast side of the fire and are moving east along the fire perimeter. The guards in place on the south end of the wildfire continue to hold. 
  • 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.

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