Due to increased temperatures, the fire danger level is very high in the most of the High Level Forest Area. Use caution with any outdoor activity.
Wildfire update
There are currently 24 active wildfires in the forest area. Of those, 6 are classified as out of control, 10 are being held and 8 are under control. At this time, these wildfires pose no threat to communities.
Fires that are categorized as out of control:
HWF066 and HWF067 is currently less than 1 ha in size and are located 20 km west of Meander River. Helicopters with buckets are responding.
HWF074 is currently 20 ha in size and is located 20 km west of High Level. Crews and helicopters with buckets are responding.
HWF071 is currently 1.5 ha in size and is located 50 km south east of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. Crews and helicopters with buckets are responding.
Fires that are categorized as being held:
HWF075 is currently less than 1 ha in size and is located 10 km north east of Little Red River. Crews, air tankers, and helicopters with buckets are responding.
HWF057 is currently 11.4 ha in size and is located 100 km north of High Level. Helicopters are responding.
HWF050 and HWF058 are both currently less than 1 Ha and are located 70 km northeast of High Level.
HWF061 is currently 1.75 ha in size and is located 16 km north of Margaret Lake. Helicopters are responding.
HWF062 is currently 3 ha in size and is located 37 km southwest of Rainbow Lake. Helicopters are responding.
HWF069 and HWF070 are less than one ha in size and are located 30 km southeast of Rainbow Lake. Helicopters are responding.
HWF073 is currently less than 1 ha in size and is located 50 km southeast of Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. Helicopters are responding.
HWF076 is currently 1 ha in size and is located 10 km south of Wood Buffalo National Park. Helicopters are responding.
As of January 1, 2026, there have been 74 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area that have burned 226 ha. For real-time information on wildfires visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is now in place for the High Level Forest Area.
| Activity | Restriction level |
|---|---|
| Fire permits | May be restricted or suspended |
| Safe wood campfires on public lands | Allowed |
| Safe wood campfires in a designated campground | Allowed |
| Safe wood campfires on private land | Allowed |
| Safe wood campfire in backyard fire pits | Allowed |
| Barbeque – Charcoal briquette | Allowed |
| Fireworks | Always prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer |
| Exploding targets | Always prohibited without written permission of a Forest Officer |
| Propane/natural gas powered appliances | Allowed |
| Indoor wood fire | Allowed |
| Open flame oil devices | Allowed |
Be wildfire prepared
- Get informed – it is your responsibility to know your local coverage and have alternative ways to stay informed whether you live remotely, are travelling or are spending time in the backcountry.
- Check fire danger ratings for your area and learn about your community’s wildfire history to help you assess current conditions and make informed decisions.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire app for mobile devices.
- See Alberta Wildfire for the status and location of wildfires, fire bans and restrictions, and learn more about wildfire prevention.
- Download the WeatherCan app for advisories in your chosen location(s) and visit the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) map to track air quality in your community
- Visit FireSmoke Canada for information about wildland fire weather and smoke. Monitor smoke forecasts to plan for poor air quality, even when fires are far away.
- Maintain an emergency kit with essential supplies and wildfire-specific items including personal protective equipment like respirators (for example: N95, KN95 or P100) or high-quality medical masks (for example: an ASTM-certified mask). Keep your kit in a safe, easy-to-access location, even in the dark.
- If you have a vehicle, keep the tank full in case fuel stations lose power or are closed. Keep a vehicle emergency kit and include an extra phone charger with necessary adapters.
- Create an emergency plan that helps prepare your loved ones for wildfire by ensuring everyone knows where to go and how to respond, even if separated when it occurs.
- Learn about reception centres to understand what they offer and what to expect if you are directed to one during an evacuation. Learn more about reception centres on the evacuation webpage.
For more information visit the Alberta Wildfire preparedness site.
Safe campfires
In 2025, 122 wildfires in Alberta were started by unsafe campfires. Ensure your campfire doesn't become a wildfire by implementing these strategies:
- In campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire.
- When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of:
- dry grass
- bushes
- leaves
- branches
- tree trunks
- peat moss
- overhanging branches
- If a site has already been used for a campfire, use the same site.
- Build your campfire on level ground that is sheltered from wind.
- Keep your campfire to an appropriate size. Larger fires are harder to control.
- If you cannot build your fire near a water source, have a large container of water nearby to keep your campfire under control.
- Never leave your campfire unattended.
- Never assume rain or snow will put your campfire out.
- When extinguishing your campfire, soak it, stir it, and soak it again until the coals are completely cool to the touch.
For more information, see Safe campfires: Wildfire prevention tips.
Burning permits
From March 1 to October 31, all burning requires a fire permit. Permits can be issued online or through a local forestry office.
When burning brush, remember to follow safe burning practices.
Contact info
Tannis McNabb
780-617-4851
[email protected]
Published on June 25, 2026 3:11 pm