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Moderate wildfire danger
Due to warmer and windy conditions across the High Level Forest Area (HLFA), the fire danger level is now assessed as moderate.
This moderate wildfire danger level applies primarily to the southern half of the HLFA, essentially south of Zama Road. This includes the areas around Rainbow Lake, Chateh, the Town of High Level, and the communities of Tall Cree and the Little Red River Cree Nation (LRRCN).
As snow melts, and forest and other areas dry out, the risk of now-exposed "flashy", fine fuels (dry vegetation: dead grass, twigs, small branches and brush) igniting increases. Keep a close watch of your surroundings when working and recreating outdoors – and consider applying FireSmart techniques (see below) around your home and property.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Fire permits required
As we are now in the official wildfire season (Mar. 1 to Oct. 31), fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits are free and can be requested from the High Level Forest Area (HLFA) main office at 780-926-5407 or online on the fire permit webpage.
With seasonal staff in place as of mid-April, we should be able to respond quickly to requests.
A helicopter takes off from the landing zone across from the HLFA Fire Centre on April 18. The HLFA is now conducting final preparations for its ground and air support operations.
Prevent spring wildfires
Please revisit your winter burn site to ensure it is fully extinguished – see video.
- Spread out the remaining woody debris.
- Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
- Soak hot spots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
- Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
FireSmart your home, farm and acreage
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow.
Flames aren’t the only threat: An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. By taking proactive measures around your house and property, you can increase your resistance to wildfire.
Visit FireSmart Alberta for information on how to get started.
Footner Fire Base now open
With the Footner Lake Fire Base at the High Level Airport now open, firefighters are on site (and in the area) conducting equipment and personal readiness activities – and participating in training – as we move through the final stages of preparation for the wildfire season.
Additional firefighters are set to arrive by the end of April, which is expected to bring the HLFA to full strength for the 2025 wildfire season.
Preparations are also underway at the Footner and Rainbow Lake airtanker bases, which – as they do each year – will provide the facilities and fuel needed for aircraft supporting wildfire operations. Footner is set to open in late April, and Rainbow Lake is set to open around May 12.
Wildfire update
Learn more about wildfire status on our website and view active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]
Published on April 18, 2025 2:45 pm