Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
Moderate wildfire danger
In light of the rain received across the High Level Forest Area (HLFA) in recent days, the fire danger level has been lowered to moderate in the agriculture portion of the HLFA, which includes the Tompkins Ferry, La Crete and Fort Vermilion. The rest of the HLFA has now been assigned a low fire danger level.
Please note that the fire ban, which is currently in place (see below), is now being reviewed.
Wildfire situation
Sousa Creek Wildfire Complex
Wildfires HWF036, HBZ001 and HBZ002 have been combined to form the Sousa Creek Complex and are being managed together.
Wildfire HWF036 is between Rainbow Lake and High Level, on both sides of Highway 58. It is currently out of control at 52,672 ha (size recently re-assessed). The wildfire did not grow yesterday and remains the same distance from Chateh, Rainbow Lake, Meander, and High Level. Rain overnight and throughout the day has kept fire activity low.
Firefighters continue to work on strengthening the containment line on the northern side of the perimeter, which is the closest to Chateh. They are working further into the interior of the fire, looking for and extinguishing hot spots. Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to work on containing the west and south sides of this wildfire.
The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.
A firefighter helps guide a helicopter with a bucket to a hot spot on HWF036 (July 2).
Wildfires HBZ001 and HBZ002 are located on the Alberta-B.C. border. They are both out of control at 23,466 ha and 7,471 ha respectively. These wildfires have not grown recently. Firefighters are monitoring them and will respond if required.
Alberta Wildfire used infrared scanning on the Sousa Creek Complex, giving a clearer picture of the fires. The size has increased due to more accurate mapping, not fire growth.
None of the wildfires in the Sousa Creek Complex pose a threat to communities.
Wildfire south of Meander, west of Highway 35
HWF065, which is currently out of control, remains about 15 km south (from reserve boundary) of the community of Meander River and about 2.2 km from Highway 35 (at its closest point). This wildfire is estimated at 650 hectares (ha).
Firefighters, heavy equipment and bucketing helicopters continue their efforts to contain and suppress this wildfire. The cause of HWF065 is under investigation and this wildfire does not currently pose a threat to communities.
Additional information for residents of Bushe, Chateh and Meander
Public safety-related information may also be available on the Dene Tha Facebook page, Dene Tha Radio (89.9 FM), and posters in the Bushe, Chateh and Meander communities.
Wildfire statistics
Since January 1, there have been 82 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning more than 55,000 ha. To view wildfires on a map and for live updates, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard. Learn about the wildfire status definitions used in Alberta.
Fire ban
A fire ban remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area; however, this ban is currently being reviewed given the lowered fire danger level. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the boundaries. See the fire ban fact sheet for more information.
Community engagement
Alberta Wildfire personnel participated in the Dene Tha' First Nation Annual Assembly in Chateh yesterday (July 2), sharing information and discussing wildfire prevention.
We will be at the High Level Rodeo on Saturday, July 12, from 12 - 5 p.m.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]
Published on July 3, 2025 3:51 pm