High Level Forest Area - June 27, 2025

Wildfire situation 

Wildfire south of Meander, west of Highway 35

HWF065, which is currently out of control, remains about 15 km south of the community of Meander River and about 2.2 km from Highway 35 (at its closest point). It is currently estimated at 500 hectares (ha). The 15 km is the distance between the southern boundary of the Meander River reserve area and the northern (closest) edge of the wildfire.

There are no new, observable hot spots today. Firefighters, heavy equipment and bucketing helicopters continue to respond as part of overall efforts to contain and suppress this wildfire. The cause of HWF065 is under investigation and it does not currently pose a threat to communities.

Sousa Creek Wildfire Complex

HWF036, known as the Sousa Creek Wildfire, has been combined with the two Alberta-B.C. border wildfires (HBZ001 and HBZ002) to form a wildfire complex. A complex is a group of wildfires in proximity, which are then managed by one incident-management team (IMT). An Alberta IMT is now overseeing operations for wildfires HWF036, HBZ001 and HBZ002. Together, these wildfires are now referred to as the Sousa Creek Wildfire Complex.   

Wildfire HWF036 is between Rainbow Lake and High Level, on both sides of Highway 58. It is currently out of control at 53,295 ha. The wildfire has not grown overnight or so far today and remains the same distance from the communities of Chateh, Rainbow Lake, Meander and High Level. Rain fell on the fire yesterday evening, overnight and into today — and fire activity is low.

Firefighters and support staff attend a morning safety briefing before heading to work on wildfire HWF036 (June 26, 2025).

Firefighters continue to work on strengthening the containment line on the northern side of the perimeter, which is the closest to Chateh. They are also working further into the interior of the fire, looking for and extinguishing hot spots. Firefighters, bucketing helicopters and heavy equipment continue working to contain the west and south sides of the wildfire. Airtankers are available, if required, and night-vison-equipped helicopters are assisting with overnight operations — when available and when conditions permit.

HBZ001 and HBZ002, which are currently burning out of control 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, which are flown in by helicopter when available, have been conducting suppression efforts on this wildfire. 

The causes of these wildfires remain under investigation, and none currently pose a threat to communities.

Additional information for residents of Chateh and Meander

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).

Wildfire statistics

Since January 1, there have been 70 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning more than 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]