High Level Forest Area - June 19, 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 ha. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

The overall situation and suppression actions on HWF036 remain the same — with firefighting efforts focused on maintaining well-established containment lines on the north-northeast side, closest to Chateh, while working to suppress several hot spots within the perimeter of these areas. Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment are also working to suppress newly detected hot spots within, on or slightly beyond the perimeter on the west-southwest sides. 

Airtankers drops were used again yesterday to support containment lines, and night-vision-equipped helicopters continue to be employed on HWF036, as conditions permit, to assist with evening and overnight operations. 

Firefighters dismount after ground transport to their work location on HWF036 earlier this week.

Although some observable growth (beyond the perimeter) has again been noted on the west-southwest sides, the fire remains approximately the same distance from the communities of Chateh, Meander, Rainbow Lake and High Level. An aerial scan is scheduled for the weekend, which should provide additional information regarding the perimeter and hot spots.

A new incident management team (IMT) is now in place after the departure of the Quebec IMT earlier this week. This new IMT has a blend of personnel from Alberta and New Brunswick. Again, a special thank-you to our out-of-province and international colleagues who have travelled long distances to support Albertans and our communities.

Staged re-entry ongoing for residents of Chateh

The staged re-entry for Chateh residents is ongoing 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.

Smoke or fog from HWF040

Residents or others in the vicinity of HWF040, which is about 22 km east of the La Crete (Tompkins) Ferry, may still see a fog or smoke coming from this wildfire due to an area of peat within its perimeter. This can occur when an inversion — a layer of warmer air covering a cooler one, reversing the normal temperature gradient where air cools with increasing altitude — blends with peat. This fog or smoke is expected and does not indicate an increase in overall fire activity. HWF040 remains under control at an estimated 395 ha.

Wildfire statistics

Since January 1, there have been 61 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning almost 47,000 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.