Due to increased temperatures, the fire danger level is very high in the High Level Forest Area. Use caution with any outdoor activity.
Wildfire update
There are currently 5 active wildfires in the forest area.
Fires that are categorized as out of control:
- HWF094 is located on the border of Wood Buffalo National Park and Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park and is currently 13,200 hectares (ha) in size. Alberta Wildfire and Parks Canada crews, airtankers, and helicopters are responding.
- HWF096 is located 24 km northwest of Hutch Lake and is currently 32 ha in size. Crews and helicopters are responding.
- HWF097 is located 10 km northwest of the delta of Chalifaux Creek and the Whitesand River and is currently 100 ha in size. Crews, airtankers, and helicopters are responding.
Fires that are categorized as being held:
- HWF083 is located 30 km south of Fox Lake and is currently 71 ha in size. Helicopters and crews are responding.
- HWF92 is located 70 km northeast of Meander River and is currently 40 ha in size. Helicopters are responding.
As of January 1, 2026, there have been 97 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area that have burned 14,136 ha. For real-time information on wildfires visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.
Fire restriction
High Level Forest Area is now under a fire restriction.
A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
| Activity | Restriction level |
|---|---|
| Fire permits | Restricted or suspended |
| Safe wood campfires on public lands | Not allowed |
| Safe wood campfires in a designated campground | Allowed |
| Safe wood campfires on private land | Allowed |
| Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pits | Allowed |
| Charcoal/ wood burning appliances without an on/off switch or valve (barbecues, smokers, stoves) | Allowed |
| Fireworks | Always prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer |
| Exploding targets | Always prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer |
| Propane/natural gas/ electric powered appliances with an on/off switch or valve (barbecues, smokers, stoves) | Allowed |
| Indoor wood fire | Allowed |
| Open flame oil devices | Allowed |
Access more information on the Alberta Fire Bans website.
Be wildfire prepared
- Get informed – it is your responsibility to know your local coverage and have alternative ways to stay informed whether you live remotely, are travelling or are spending time in the backcountry.
- Check fire danger ratings for your area and learn about your community’s wildfire history to help you assess current conditions and make informed decisions.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire app for mobile devices.
- See Alberta Wildfire for the status and location of wildfires, fire bans and restrictions, and learn more about wildfire prevention.
- Download the WeatherCan app for advisories in your chosen location(s) and visit the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) map to track air quality in your community
- Visit FireSmoke Canada for information about wildland fire weather and smoke. Monitor smoke forecasts to plan for poor air quality, even when fires are far away.
- Maintain an emergency kit with essential supplies and wildfire-specific items including personal protective equipment like respirators (for example: N95, KN95 or P100) or high-quality medical masks (for example: an ASTM-certified mask). Keep your kit in a safe, easy-to-access location, even in the dark.
- If you have a vehicle, keep the tank full in case fuel stations lose power or are closed. Keep a vehicle emergency kit and include an extra phone charger with necessary adapters.
- Create an emergency plan that helps prepare your loved ones for wildfire by ensuring everyone knows where to go and how to respond, even if separated when it occurs.
- Learn about reception centres to understand what they offer and what to expect if you are directed to one during an evacuation. Learn more about reception centres on the evacuation webpage.
For more information visit the Alberta Wildfire preparedness site.
Burning permits
From March 1 to October 31, all burning requires a fire permit. Permits can be issued online or through a local forestry office.
When burning brush, remember to follow safe burning practices.
Published on July 2, 2026 1:05 pm