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Extreme wildfire danger
The fire danger level is now extreme throughout the High Level Forest Area (HLFA), due to hot, dry and windy conditions. With little precipitation, grass, leaves and other vegetation are very dry in most areas, which could fuel a fast-moving wildfire that can quickly grow out of control. Please use caution if you are spending time or working outside — and avoid outdoor activities that have the potential to ignite a fire.
Wildfire situation
HWF036 east of Rainbow Lake
Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are continuing to respond (and will continue their efforts overnight)to HWF036, which was detected this afternoon, approximately 31 km east-northeast of the Town of Rainbow Lake. This wildfire has increased significantly in size (now estimated to cover an area exceeding 1,700 ha at this time) towards the east and northeast over the past few hours and is now threatening the community of Chateh. Given its proximity to the community, residents in Chateh are now evacuating northbound towards Zama City.
Alberta Wildfire is working closely with local police and emergency management personnel to support people, communities and industry assets in the area. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
Two wildfires near communities now extinguished
HWF034, northeast of Fort Vermilion, and HWF031, south of Tall Cree First Nation, are both now extinguished.
Smoke from wildfire on the Alberta-B.C. border
Residents and others on the western side of the HLFA may see smoke from a wildfire (HBZ001) currently burning along the provincial border. The HLFA Fire Centre is in regular contact with its B.C. counterpart to monitor this wildfire. The Government of Canada also monitors smoke conditions across the country.
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.
In 2025, there have been 36 wildfires in the HLFA to date, burning approximately 99 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 ban
A fire ban is now in effect throughout the entire High Level Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in place until conditions improve.
See the fire ban fact sheet for more information.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see the boundaries of the fire restriction.
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.
Published on May 29, 2025 8:13 pm