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High wildfire danger
The fire danger remains high throughout the High Level Forest Area (HLFA). Despite some light rain in recent days, grass, leaves and other vegetation are dry, which could fuel a fast-moving wildfire. Please use caution if you are spending time or working outside.
Wildfire situation
HWF034 northeast of Fort Vermilion
Firefighters with Alberta Wildfire and the local (Fort V.) fire department responded to a small wildfire (estimated at less than 1 hectare), which is located approximately 9 km northeast of the Town of Fort Vermilion — on the north-northwest side of the Peace River. Crews are working to fully suppress and extinguish this wildfire. It is currently under control and poses no threat to communities at this time. Its cause is under investigation.
HWF033 east of Paddle Prairie
Firefighters continue their work to fully suppress and extinguish this wildfire, which is located approximately 30 km east of the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement and 105 km south-southeast of the Town of High Level. The fire is an estimated 10 hectares (ha) in size. It is now under control and does not pose a threat to communities at this time. Its cause is under investigation.
HWF031 south of Tall Cree First Nation
Firefighters continue their work to fully suppress and extinguish this wildfire, which is located about 8 km south of the south edge of Tall Cree (South) First Nation and about 9 km northeast of Wadlin Lake. It is currently under control at an estimated 7 ha in size. There is no threat to communities at this time and the cause of this wildfire is under investigation
HWF017 at Fox Lake
Alberta Wildfire supported the Little Red River Cree Nation (LRRCN) Fire Department with a bucketing helicopter and airtankers on a previous wildfire (HWF017) at the local landfill. It is under control and remains an estimated 5 ha in size. The local fire department continues its work to fully suppress and extinguish this fire. This wildfire poses no threat to communities at this time.
All carry-over wildfires now extinguished
HWF061 (2024), the last wildfire still burning from 2024 in the HLFA, and the last remaining fire from the Semo Complex, is now extinguished. The Semo Complex was a group of wildfires that burned more than 200,000 hectares (ha) to the north-northwest of communities within the LRRCN last year.
In 2025, there have been 35 wildfires in the HLFA to date, burning approximately 93 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.
Lightning-caused wildfires
Lightning-caused wildfires are a common natural occurrence in Alberta, accounting for approximately 30% of the wildfires that occur each year. These wildfires often start in remote areas when lightning strikes dry vegetation, such as grass and trees, which can facilitate a quick start. Since these starts are often located far from roads or communities, they can easily go unnoticed.
Alberta Wildfire closely monitors lightning activity using resources such as aerial surveillance and fire lookout observers to detect and respond to these wildfires as quickly as possible. Many fire detections are also reported by the public.
As an example, several of the very recent wildfires starts detected in the Slave Lake Forest Area have been determined to have been caused by lightning.
All forest areas have firefighters and equipment ready to respond. Please call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Learn more about how to report a wildfire.
Community outreach
The 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. We conducted our last scheduled school presentations on May 27, and our outreach efforts will now focus on events with communities and local organizations through the late spring and summer months.
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.
Students toured the HLFA Fire Centre, Fire Base, Airtanker Base, and helicopter launch-and-landing areas on May 21. The tour was coordinated by David Asher (second from right) as part of NLFES efforts to increase awareness of forestry, wildfire prevention and operations, and potential seasonal and career jobs with Alberta Forestry.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]
Published on May 28, 2025 4:06 pm