High Level Forest Area - June 15, 2025

Wildfire situation

Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036) 

The Sousa Creek Wildfire is located between the towns of Rainbow Lake and High Level, near the Chateh turnoff, and along both sides of Highway 58. This wildfire is currently out of control and estimated to cover 44,500 hectares (ha). The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

There has been some growth along the southwest side, and some new hot spots on the far northeast corner (within the perimeter) over the past 48 hours. While the north and northeast sides will always be a priority given the proximity to Chateh and the importance of protecting this and other communities, firefighters and bucketing helicopters have also been very focused on the southwest side to prevent additional growth in this direction. 

Airtankers are being used, as needed, and night-vision-equipped helicopters are also being employed on HWF036, when available and when conditions permit.

Growth versus proximity to communities 

While there has been some recent growth on HWF036, this has been primarily along the south-southwest side and, therefore, has not moved the fire measurably closer to the communities noted below. HWF036 is approximately: 

• 5.2 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; and
• 27 km from the eastern edge of the Town of Rainbow Lake.  

"Edge" refers to the boundary or corporate limits (as applicable) of each community.

Alberta Wildfire continues to work closely with Chateh community leaders and their emergency management team. Power to the Town of Rainbow Lake and Chateh is not currently impacted. ATCO crews continue working to repair damaged powerline infrastructure. 

Posted speed and highway closures 

Please respect the 50 km/h signs in work areas (HWF036) for everyone’s safety. Expect delays or intermittent closures on Highway 58. Visit Alberta 511 for updates. 

Happy Fathers' Day

Dougie Ribbonleg (right) and Narcisse Moberly — father and son — of the Tall Cree First Nation are working together as firefighters in the High Level Forest Area. A very happy Fathers’ Day to them and all the other fathers and sons (and others) working hard to protect people, communities, infrastructure and the environment across Alberta this wildfire season.

 

Expect fog or smoke in the vicinity of HWF040 

HWF040, which is about 22 km east of the La Crete (Tompkins) Ferry and about 395 ha, remains under control. There is an area of peat soil within the interior of this wildfire, which, along with the likelihood of an inversion — a layer of warmer air covering a cooler one, reversing the normal temperature gradient where air cools with increasing altitude — could produce smoke or a fog. This is expected and does not indicate an increase in fire activity. 

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

Residents and others on the western side of the forest area may see smoke from three wildfires (HBZ001, HBZ002 and HBZ003) currently burning along the provincial border. The High Level Fire Centre is in regular contact with its B.C. counterparts to monitor these wildfires. Visit Fire Smoke Canada to see where smoke is coming from. If you have smoke-related health concerns, call 811 or visit Alberta Health.

Wildfire statistics 

Since January 1, there have been 53 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of approximately 46,000 ha. To view wildfires on a map and for live updates, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.