High Level Forest Area - May 15, 2026

Wildfire update 

HWF014 is 20 kilometers southwest of Wood Buffalo National Park. It is 100 hectares in size and is now classified as being held, with crews and aircraft on-site. 

As of January 1, 2026, there have been 18 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning 108 hectares. 

For real-time information on wildfires visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app.

Be fire safe this May long weekend 

When recreating on crown and public land:

• Use designated stoves, fire rings, or fire pits in campgrounds and recreational areas 
• Use existing campfire rings in remote areas
• If no existing site is available, create a new campfire ring with rocks on mineral soil away from any vegetation 
• Keep a water container nearby 
• When extinguishing your campfire, soak it, stir it, then soak it again until cool to the touch 

For more information see Safe campfires: Wildfire prevention tips

For off highway vehicle use: 

You can reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire by following these simple steps.

• Before riding, clean out hot spots and remove debris from the machine.
• After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from the machine.
• Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
• Wash the OHV and keep it clean – do not wash in streams and creeks.
• Make sure the muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
• Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from the machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it is extinguished.

For more information, see Off-highway vehicles: Wildfire prevention tips.

Municipal wildfire reporting

Sharing timely information about active wildfires with Albertans is an important part of the Alberta government's approach to wildfire safety. That’s why we’ve enabled municipalities to report wildfires occurring within their borders to have them included on the Alberta Wildfire dashboard and Alberta Wildfire Status app. The blue flame icon indicates a municipal fire. Read the map legend to understand the different flame icons.

Alberta Wildfire is also introducing response type reporting to explain how a wildfire is being managed. Wildfires within Alberta Wildfire’s jurisdiction will be assigned one of three response types:

• Full response: Immediate and aggressive suppression action is taken.
• Modified response: Some suppression action is used to contain a wildfire within a pre-determined boundary.
• Monitored response: The wildfire is observed and assessed.

Click on one of the flame icons on the wildfire map to find the response type information.

Farming safely during wildfire season

Spring work is here, and while this time of year can often be wet, cold, rainy, or snowy, the risk of agricultural wildfires remains present. Dry vegetation and crop residue is highly flammable, so extra precautions must be taken to prevent fires on the farm. 

What can be done: 

• Keep machinery clean. Clear out any debris around hot spots and pinch points.
• Maintain electrical components and equipment
• Grease mobile components of equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations
• Regularly clean air filters
• Regularly check coolant and oil levels
• Keep a full, up to date ABC fire extinguisher in or near the cab and know how to use it
• Read the FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide to learn more about farm fire safety. 

Burning 

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]