High Level Forest Area - June 25, 2025

Wildfire situation 

New wildfire south of Meander River, west of Highway 35

HWF065, which was detected late yesterday, is burning out of control about 15 km south of the community of Meander River and about 2.2 km southwest of Highway 35 (at its closest point). The 15 km is the distance between the southern boundary of the Meander River reserve area and the northern (closest) edge of the wildfire. HWF065 is currently estimated at 500 hectares (ha) in size and its cause is under investigation. 

Firefighters, heavy equipment and bucketing helicopters are continuing efforts to contain and suppress this wildfire. Airtankers are conducting retardant drops and night-vision-equipped helicopters are assisting with overnight operations. 

HWF065 does not currently pose a threat to communities.

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 53,295 ha. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.

There has been no observable growth beyond the perimeter; however, several new hot spots within the perimeter (on the west and south sides) have been noted over the past 24 hours. Firefighting efforts continue to maintain the well-established containment lines on the north-northeast side — which protect the community of Chateh — and firefighters, bucketing helicopters and heavy equipment continue suppression efforts on the west and south sides of the wildfire. 

Airtankers are providing support, as required, and night-vision-equipped helicopters continue to assist with overnight operations. 

This wildfire remains approximately the same distances from communities (Chateh, Meander, Rainbow Lake and High Level), which are to the north, northeast, west and east respectively. 

Firefighters prepare to work on further strengthening containment lines on the north side of HWF036. This photo captured looking eastbound along Highway 58, just east of the Chateh turn-off (June 25).

Additional information for residents of Chateh and Meander

A community meeting was held today in Chateh, which provided a wildfire update and allowed residents and others to ask questions about HFW036 and HWF065. Public safety-related information may also be available on the Dene Tha Facebook page, Dene Tha Radio (89.9 FM), and posters in the Bushe and Meander communities (band offices).

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 fire crews are conducting some suppression efforts on the ground, when available.

Wildfire statistics

Since January 1, there have been 67 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 about the 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:

• 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/Sunday, July 12-13

Note: "Bertie Beaver" is expected to make appearances on Canada Day and at the rodeo.

Contact info

Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]