High Level Forest Area - June 24, 2025 - 7:45 pm

Wildfire situation

New wildfire south of Meander River, west of Highway 35

HWF065, which was detected at about 5 p.m. today, is burning out of control about 20 km south of the community of Meander River and 6-7 km west and south of Highway 35 (the highway curves towards the northwest in this area). It is currently estimated at 313 hectares (ha) in size and its cause is under investigation. 

Firefighters, heavy equipment and airtankers have responded and continue efforts to contain and suppress this wildfire. HWF065 does not pose a threat to communities at this time.

Small wildfire west of TCFN South now under control

HWF066, which is on the west side of Highway 88 and about 3 km west of Tall Cree First Nation (TCFN) South reserve boundary, is now under control after a quick response by the TCFN Fire Department — supported by firefighters from Alberta Wildfire a short time later — after detection about 6 p.m. this evening. This wildfire, which is approximately 3 ha in size, does not pose a threat to communities at this time. 

Alberta Wildfire will continue to work closely with the TCFN Fire Department to fully suppress and extinguish this wildfire. Its cause is under investigation.

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 approximately 53,294 ha. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

Firefighting efforts continue to maintain the well-established containment lines on the north-northeast side, which protect the community of Chateh. Concurrently, firefighters, bucketing helicopters and heavy equipment continue suppression efforts on the west and south sides of the wildfire, where there continues to be growth. Airtankers are providing support as required, and night-vision-equipped helicopters continue to assist with overnight operations. 

Firefighting personnel from Alberta, New Brunswick and the U.S. are working together to contain and suppress this wildfire. Despite some continued growth on the west and south sides, the fire remains approximately the same distances from communities (Chateh, Meander, Rainbow Lake and High Level), which are to the north, northeast, west and east respectively.

Staged re-entry ongoing for residents of Chateh

Most residents have now returned to Chateh after the staged re-entry began last week. 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.

Two wildfires along the Alberta-B.C. border

The two wildfires (HBZ001 and HBZ002) that are currently burning along the provincial border continue to be monitored by Alberta Wildfire and its B.C. counterpart. Airtankers have done some drops on HBZ002 and a fire crew, which is flown in by helicopter, has been assigned to conduct suppression efforts on the ground.

Wildfire statistics

Since January 1, there have been 66 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning approximately 55,000 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.

 

 

Community Engagement

The High Level Forest Area will be participating in several community outreach events over the next few weeks, including:

• A community meeting in Chateh – Wednesday, June 25 at 1 p.m. at the local school. Alberta Wildfire will provide an update on the Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036), which will also provide an opportunity for residents and others to ask questions, and for sharing of public safety-related information.
• NLFES 'Float-n-Fun" camp - June 28-29 at Machesis Lake; sponsored by the Northern Lights Forest Education Society (NLFES) with a focus on forest health and foraging. Alberta Wildfire is set to present between 1 - 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.
• Canada Day celebrations in the Town of High Level – Tuesday, July 1
• High Level Rodeo – Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13

"Bertie Beaver" — a keen advocate of wildfire prevention and fire safety — is expected at the Canada Day celebrations in the Town of High Level on Tuesday, July 1. Bertie and the Alberta Wildfire team will have information and fun, give-away items available for all ages on Canada Day.

Contact info

Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]