High Level Forest Area - July 24, 2025

The second (winter) edition of "Boris in the Boreal Forest" has just been released; see below under community engagement.

Wildfire situation

Caution advised

We urge residents and others in wildfire areas to use extra caution near burnt areas. There are many hazards that may not be visible, such as deep-burning ash pits and falling trees. Burnt trees can be a serious hazard — while trees with green needles or leaves, which may look healthy, may have burnt-out roots underground and fall unexpectedly. Trees and powerlines can also fall on the road, causing a hazard to those travelling by vehicle. Do not approach powerlines, as they could be energized. 

Keep drones away

Flying recreational drones near an active wildfire is illegal and dangerous. The airspace over and around a wildfire is closed to all aircraft, including drones, except for those directly involved in firefighting. There can be large fines for breaking the rules.

Good progress on HWF036 continues 

The Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036), which is between Rainbow Lake and High Level, on both sides of Highway 58, is being held. It remains an estimated 52,672 hectares (ha) in size.

The strong progress made on this wildfire continues with firefighting personnel still focused on remaining hotspots, which are primarily on the west side, and bolstering containment lines in these areas. Aerial scanning, when available, assists in identifying additional hot spots.  The results of these scans help firefighters focus on priority areas, as we continue our efforts to fully contain and control this wildfire. 

Please note that smoke may still be visible at times, as unburnt pockets of vegetation ignite in the interior of the fire.

Border fires

Alberta Wildfire continues to work closely with its B.C. counterpart to monitor wildfires HBZ001 and HBZ002, which are located on the Alberta-B.C. border. Both wildfires are being held. 

Wildfire statistics

Since January 1, there have been 90 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.

Fire permits needed 

Please remember that fire permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area, except campfires. Request your permit online or by calling 780-926-5407. 

Community engagement

Winter (second) edition of "Boris in the Boreal Forest" released

Mackenzie County was named Forest Capital of Canada (FCC) for 2024 and 2025, a designation that celebrates a community or a region for its connectivity to the forest. 

The FCC is focused on the valuable role forests play in the socio-economic and environmental health of our communities — past, present and future — while also recognizing the rich forest heritage and commitment to sustainable forest-management practices across Canada.

After being named as FCC, Mackenzie County — working with a number of public and private-sector stakeholders — launched the "Boris in the Boreal Forest " project, aimed at increasing awareness of the valuable role forests play within the county and its communities, and across the Boreal Forest and beyond. Several forest officers and firefighters with the High Level Forest Area supported the filming of this production. 

Boris' Winter Adventure is the second edition of this very creative and informative project. Strap on your snowshoes and follow Boris as he blazes a frosty trail across Mackenzie County!

Mackenzie County is Canada's largest county and shares borders with B.C., the N.W.T. and Wood Buffalo National Park. The High Level Forest Area boundaries mirror those of the county.

Contact info

Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]