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Extreme wildfire danger
The fire danger remains extreme. With very little rain recently — and a forecast for more of the same — forest vegetation is extremely dry and poses a very serious fire risk.
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 firefighting efforts focused on maintaining well-established containment lines on the north-northeast side, which protect the community of Chateh, and suppressing hot spots in various locations.
Several new hot spots were detected over the past 24 hours — primarily on or within the perimeter on the west side; and within, on and beyond the perimeter on the south side. Firefighters, bucketing helicopters and heavy equipment are working to contain and suppress these newly detected hot spots. Airtanker drops are also being used, as required, and night-vision-equipped helicopters continue to be employed to assist with overnight operations.
Despite the additional growth on the south side (beyond the perimeter), the fire remains approximately the same distance from communities (Chateh, Meander, Rainbow Lake and High Level), which are to the north, northeast, west and east respectively. The latest map shows the perimeters of HWF036, as of June 19.
Staged re-entry ongoing for residents of Chateh
The staged re-entry for Chateh residents is ongoing and will continue until everyone is back home. 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.
Community Engagement
The High Level Forest Area is set to participate in several community outreach events over the next several weeks, including:
- National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations – Saturday, June 21 – Alberta Wildfire will be attending Dene Tha events throughout the day at the Bushe River Assembly Grounds (4 Mile Road); and the Town of High Level event in the afternoon (2-4 p.m.) at Centennial Park.
- Chateh community meeting – Wednesday, June 25 at 1 p.m. at the arena. Alberta Wildfire will provide an update on the Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036) with an opportunity for residents and others to ask questions, and for sharing of public safety-related information.
- Canada Day celebrations in the Town of High Level – Tuesday, July 1
- High Level Rodeo – Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13
Note: “Bertie Beaver” is expected to make an appearance at some of these events.
Fire ban
A fire ban remains in effect for the High Level Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the boundaries. See the fire ban fact sheet for more information.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]
Published on June 20, 2025 4:29 pm