Wildfires of note

August 19, 2024

Written by Alberta Wildfire | Aug 19, 2024 2:59:56 PM

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

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 106,611 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 being held and is 6,158 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. Heavy equipment is also working the west side, moving to the south as operators construct a containment line. Heavy equipment has completed their work on the east side and will now start work on a contingency line running north from highway 58 to the west side, which will also provide better access for crews.

There are currently 596 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