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High wildfire danger
The fire danger level remains high throughout the entire High Level Forest Area (HLFA). Despite some light rain in areas, grasses, leaves and other vegetation are dry in communities and much of the forest area, which could support a fast-moving wildfire. Please use caution if you are spending time or working outside.
Wildfire situation
HTZ001, which was a large wildfire along the Alberta-NWT border (on both sides of Highway 35) that originally started in 2023, has now been extinguished.
Firefighters from Alberta, NWT and other Canadian and international crews had been battling this wildfire since 2023. Although it was brought under control in 2023, underground hot spots remained over the winter months and the wildfire re-emerged above ground in May 2024.
Provincial and territorial crews, along with those from other jurisdictions, worked to suppress this wildfire over the summer months of 2024, again bringing it under control. Over the past winter and into this spring, the ongoing, dedicated efforts of firefighters paid off, and they were able to extinguish the remaining hot spots shown by aerial scans.
In 2025, there have been 30 wildfires in the HLFA to date, burning 70 hectares (ha).
To view wildfires on a map and for live updates, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. Learn more about wildfire status definitions used in Alberta.
Fire permits
Under the current fire restriction, all previously issued fire permits are suspended, and new ones will not be issued until conditions change.
During the official wildfire season (Mar. 1 to Oct. 31), fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. When being issued, fire permits can be requested online or from the HLFA main office at 780-926-5407.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for the entire High Level Forest Area. Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, all previously issued fire permits are now suspended, and no new permits will be issued until conditions change.
Prohibited
- Outdoor wood fires on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas
- Any burning, other than a campfire on private land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed
- Safe wood campfires on private land, including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
- Backyard firepits
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
To learn more, visit Alberta Fire Bans.
Community Outreach
The High Level Forest Area (HLFA) participates in many community events throughout the year. Our staff also reaches out to schools and other organizations in the area, providing interactive presentations for all ages.
HLFA staff again supported the Northern Lights Forest Education Society (NLFES) on May 21, conducting a tour of the HLFA Fire Centre, Footner Fire Base, Airtanker Base and helicopter launch-and-landing areas. Students were able to interact with dispatchers, forest officers, pilots and ground crews while discussing wildfire prevention and operations.
Wildfire Technologist Joelle Gagne (yellow shirt) speaks with students during a tour of the HLFA Fire Centre, Airtanker Base, and helicopter launch-and-landing areas on May 21. The tour was coordinated by David Asher (far right) of the NLFES.
At the airtanker base, students were able to tour the plane and its cockpit area as part of NLFES efforts to increase awareness of forestry, wildfire prevention and operations, and possible seasonal and career jobs with Alberta Forestry.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]
Published on May 22, 2025 1:11 pm