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High wildfire danger
Due to windy conditions and anticipated higher temperatures — and given that intermittent rain is not being received in all areas — the fire danger in the High Level Forest Area is now considered to be high. Use caution with outdoor fires.
Fire permits needed
With the fire ban lifted, safe burning is now allowed. Please remember, however, that permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area — except campfires.
Request your permit online or by calling the office at 780-926-5407. As the fire ban was in effect for more than five weeks, we are receiving many requests, so please be patient as our patrol people respond as quickly as they can.
Wildfire situation
Sousa Creek Wildfire
Good progress continues to be made on wildfire HWF036, which is between Rainbow Lake and High Level, on both sides of Highway 58. HWF036 remains classified as out of control at this time — at 52,672 hectares (ha) — however, this wildfire has not grown and remains the same distances from the communities of Chateh, Rainbow Lake, Meander and High Level. Smoke may still be visible at times, as unburnt pockets of vegetation ignite in the interior of the fire.
Firefighters, bucketing helicopters and heavy equipment continue their efforts to contain the west and south sides of the wildfire — working closely with industry stakeholders in the area.
Firefighters attend a logistics briefing on HWF036 in early July. Logistical support — which includes transport, accommodations, camp safety, and food, laundry and supply services — is essential to successful firefighting operations.
Border fires
Alberta Wildfire continues to work closely with its B.C. counterpart to monitor and contain wildfires HBZ001 and HBZ002, which are located on the Alberta-B.C. border. The larger of the two (HBZ001) is being held at 23,436 ha, whereas the other (HBZ002) remains out of control at 7,471 ha (these sizes reflect the Alberta side of these wildfires).
Wildfire south of Meander
HWF065, which is south of the community of Meander River and west of Highway 35, is being held. Firefighters and heavy equipment continue working to fully contain and control this wildfire — including efforts to further strengthen the perimeter. This wildfire remains an estimated 650 ha.
The cause of HWF065 has been determined to be lightning. This wildfire does not currently pose a threat to communities.
Wildfire statistics
Since January 1, there have been 83 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning approximately 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.
Community engagement
The High Level Forest Area is set to attend the High Level Rodeo on Saturday, July 12. Look for our information booth and free give-away products, which highlight wildfire prevention.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]
Published on July 9, 2025 1:47 pm