Wildfires of note

August 16, 2024

Posted on Fri, Aug 16, 2024

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

Jasper Wildfire Complex

ANP002 (formally ANP002 and ANP003) is classified as out of control. Parks Canada estimates its size to be approximately 33,000 ha.

Crews were able to contain 100% of the priority northwest perimeter to protect the town of Jasper. Forecasts show chances of showers this weekend and this should allow crews to make progress in minimizing fire activity in other parts of the park. 

Jasper National Park is closed. See Wildfire status — Jasper Wildfire Complex for more information.

An evacuation alert remains in place for the Municipality of Jasper. See Municipality of Jasper Re-entry Criteria for information about re-entry.

See 511 Alberta for information on highway closures.


HCX001 - Semo Complex 

Wildfires HWF053, HWF061, HWF081, HWF083, HWF136 and HWF141 are part of the Semo Complex.

HWF061 is classified as out of control and is 106,709 ha in size. It is located 19 km northeast of John D'or Prairie, 15 km north of Fox Lake and 1.9 km north of Highway 58. It was caused by lightning.

HWF136 is classified as out of control and is 6,236 ha in size. It is located north of highway 58 and approximately 13 km northwest of Garden River.

Other fires in this complex are within or near the Caribou Mountain Wildland Provincial Park. These fires are being held and are being monitored for growth and activity. 

Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment continue to work along the southern perimeter of HWF061 to extinguish hotspots and reduce spread. The guard on the east side of the fire is nearly complete. There are small excursions over the south perimeter guard but crews are working hard to contain them with additional guard and extinguish. Heavy equipment is also on the west side moving to the south as operators extend the containment line. The northeast side of HWF061 continues to see some fire activity which we continue to monitor. There are no concerns in that area at this time as the fire is moving north into the previously burnt area of HWF141.

Construction of the guard on the northeast perimeter of HWF136 fire continues as equipment travels west to build containment lines. There is minimal activity on HWF136 but crews and heavy equipment are working to tie in small excursions with natural fuel breaks on the northwest corner. Very little hotspots were found on the south side of HWF136, north of highway 58. 

There are currently 670 firefighters and support personnel, 24 helicopters and 130 pieces of heavy equipment working on the Semo Wildfire Complex.

See the High Level Forest Area update for more information. 


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