High Level Forest Area - June 06, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, there have been 47 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area burning a total of 38,673 hectares (ha). To view wildfires on a map and for live updates, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard. Learn more about wildfire status definitions used in Alberta.

Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036)

The Sousa Creek Wildfire is between the towns of Rainbow Lake and High Level, near the Chateh turnoff, and along both sides of Highway 58. This wildfire, which is out of control at an estimated 37,000 hectares (ha), remains the highest priority fire within the forest area.

It is located (approximately):

• 5.3 km from the southern edge of the community (reserve area) of Chateh
• 55 km from the southeast edge of the community (reserve area) of Meander River
• 71 km from the western edge of the Town of High Level
• 27 km from the eastern edge of the Town of Rainbow Lake

Fire map. 

Fire crews worked overnight on the northwest side of the fire. A night-vision-capable helicopter provided support for a short period; however, limited visibility did not allow air operations to continue. Overnight, portions of HWF036 received up to 5 mm of rain, which has been helpful in damping fire activity so far today.

Firefighters, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment, continue to work along the north and northeastern perimeter, near Sousa Creek. Towards the far northeastern side of the wildfire, the ground is too soft for heavy equipment, so this area will be actioned by helicopter. Additional heavy equipment continues to build containment line along the northwestern perimeter, south of Highway 58. Air tanker support is available, when required and when conditions are suitable.

Additional firefighting resources

There has been a significant increase in resources in recent days aimed at augmented efforts and capabilities to suppress the Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036), including:

• an incident management team (IMT) from Quebec, which has now transitioned in and is managing on-scene operations for HWF036;
• fire crews from Oregon and Washington, which arrived earlier this week
• additional heavy equipment that has arrived throughout the week; and
• additional heavy helicopter support, which can carry at least twice the amount of water for bucketing, and the addition of two night-vision-capable helicopters.

Alberta Wildfire continues to work closely with the Chateh Fire Department to coordinate and maintain structure protection in and around the community. Power to the Town of Rainbow Lake and Chateh is not currently impacted. ATCO crews continue to work on repairing damaged powerline infrastructure within the fire. 

Travellers on Highway 58 should expect delays or intermittent closures (please check 511 for updates). The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

Please slow down

Travellers on Highway 58 should expect delays (check 511 for updates). For everyone's safety, drivers are asked to slow down to 50 km/hour through the signed, active wildfire area of HWF036, as there are fire crews, heavy equipment and other personnel in the vicinity of this route. Along with varying and often quite limited visibility, driving at — or anywhere near — the normal speed limit (100 km/hour) can be dangerous. 

The cause of this wildfire (HWF036) remains under investigation.

HWF037 

This wildfire is within the Buffalo Head Hills, about 33 km west of the community of Tall Cree First Nation South. It is out of control at about 940 ha.

Heavy equipment and ground crews continue making good progress building a containment line with a current focus on the south side. This will be followed by work on the eastern side, along a corridor between two previously burned areas that is stalling growth to the east-southeast. Bucketing helicopters and fire crews on the ground today will continue to support overall efforts to suppress this wildfire. There is currently no threat to communities, and its cause is under investigation.

HWF040

This wildfire, which is east of the La Crete Ferry and just south of Highway 697, is being held at about 395 ha. With the progress made on this wildfire, crews have been able to remove the structure protection previously put in place and evacuated residents have returned home.

Three fire crews with helicopters, water trucks and heavy equipment support continue to action this fire today. 

Travellers on Highway 697 should expect delays (please check 511 for updates). The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

Smoke from wildfires on the Alberta-B.C. border 

Residents and others on the western side of the forest area may see smoke from two wildfires (HBZ001 and HBZ002) currently burning along the provincial border. The High Level Fire Centre is in regular contact with its B.C. counterpart to monitor these wildfires. The Government of Canada also monitors smoke conditions across the country.

Safety near burnt areas

We urge residents and members of the public to use extra caution near burnt areas. There are many hazards that may not be visible, like deep burning ash pits and falling trees. Burnt trees are a serious hazard, and trees that may look healthy that have green needles or leaves could have burnt out roots under the ground and fall unexpectedly. Keep in mind that trees and powerlines could also fall on the road and block your vehicle. Do not approach powerlines as they could be energized.

Illegal use of drones near wildfires

Flying a drone near or over a wildfire endangers our pilots and forces us to ground aircraft, causing delays in firefighting operations. You could face a hefty fine for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give our firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely. 

Contact info

Caroline Charbonneau
780-740-1341
[email protected]