The wildfire danger in the High Level Forest Area is moderate. Wildfires can still start and spread in cooler conditions but are less likely to become severe if detected quickly. Be cautious with outdoor fires.
Wildfire update
There are 3 active wildfires in the High Level Forest Area.
HWF038: Classified as out of control at 10 ha in size. It is located 30 km SE of High Level. Air tankers, helicopters, including night vision helicopters, and crews are assigned to the wildfire. Smoke is visible from nearby communities.
HWF039: Classified as out of control at 1 ha in size. It is located 10 km SW of Garden River. Crews and helicopters, including night vision helicopters, are assigned to the wildfire.
HWF035: Classified as being held at 15 hectares (ha) in size. It is located within the 2019 Chuckegg burn, approximately 45 km S/SW of High Level and west of Highway 35. Airtankers, helicopters, including night vision helicopters, heavy equipment, and crews are assigned to the wildfire. Smoke is visible from Highway 35.
As of January 1, 2026, there have been 39 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area that have burned 170 ha. For real-time information on wildfires visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.
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.
Safe campfires
In 2025, 122 wildfires in Alberta were started by unsafe campfires. Ensure your campfire doesn't become a wildfire by implementing these strategies:
- In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire.
- When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of:
- dry grass
- bushes
- leaves
- branches
- tree trunks
- peat moss
- overhanging branches
- If a site has already been used for a campfire, use the same site.
- Build your campfire on level ground that is sheltered from wind.
- Keep your campfire to an appropriate size. Larger fires are harder to control.
- If you cannot build your fire near a water source, have a large container of water nearby to keep your campfire under control.
- Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Never assume rain or snow will put your campfire out.
- When extinguishing your campfire, soak it, stir it, and soak it again until the coals are completely cool to the touch.
For more information, see Safe campfires: Wildfire prevention tips.
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.
Contact info
Tannis McNabb
780-617-4851
[email protected]
Published on June 2, 2026 5:49 pm