High Level Forest Area - June 18, 2025

Wildfire situation 

Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036)

This wildfire, which is between the towns of Rainbow Lake and High Level, near the Chateh turnoff, and along both sides of Highway 58, is currently out of control at more than 45,000 hectares (ha). The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

The overall situation and suppression actions on HWF036 remain the same — with the containment line between the north-northeast sides of HWF036 and Chateh holding well.

Firefighting efforts are focused on several newly detected hot spots along the southwest side (some beyond the perimeter here), a few new ones on the north side (within the perimeter), and one in the northeast corner of the fire (on the perimeter). These hot spots, which were detected over the past 24 hours, are being promptly actioned by firefighters, supported by bucketing helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers (as required). 

Night-vision-equipped helicopters continue to be employed on HWF036, as conditions (primarily visibility) permit, to assist with evening and overnight operations. 

Firefighters set up a pump to draw water from a small lake, as part of suppression efforts on HWF036 earlier this week.

Although some observable growth has been noted on the south-southwest side, the fire remains approximately the same distance from communities (Chateh, Meander, Rainbow Lake and High Level) — based on the distance from the closest edge of the fire perimeter to the closest reserve boundary or corporate limits, as applicable.

Staged re-entry ongoing for residents of Chateh

The staged re-entry for Chateh residents, which began yesterday, is going well and will continue over the next few days. Some structure protection (sprinklers) remains in place for now, as a precaution. More information is available on the Dene Tha Facebook page, Dene Tha Radio (89.9 FM), and on posters in the Bushe and Meander communities. 

Posted speed and highway closures

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

HWF054, HWF055 and HWF056 (LRRCN) 

These three wildfires, which were detected Monday to the east-northeast of the Little Red River Cree Nation (LRRCN) communities of John D’Or and Fox Lake, remain very small. Firefighters and airtankers responded quickly – and suppression efforts continue. Currently, HWF054 is being held, and HWF055 and HWF056 are under control.

Smoke or fog from HWF040

HWF040, which is about 22 km east of the La Crete (Tompkins) Ferry and about 395 ha in size, remains under control. There is, however, an area of peat soil within the interior of this wildfire. Given the nature of peat and 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 — residents and others in the area may see a fog or smoke in the vicinity. This is expected and does not indicate an increase in overall fire activity.

Wildfire statistics

Since January 1, there have been 59 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of approximately 46,800 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.

Contact info

Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]