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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, bucketing helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are continuing their work to suppress HWF036, which was detected on May 29 approximately 31 km east of the Town of Rainbow Lake. This wildfire increased in size overnight and is now an estimated 10,000 hectares (ha). Given its proximity to Chateh, residents and others are evacuating this community, which is to the north of the wildfire.
Fire crews are working to build containment — with a focus on the north and northwest perimeters — to protect people, communities, the highway and other infrastructure in the area. Highway 58 is currently closed to non-emergency-related traffic. Please check 511 for updates.
The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
An aerial view of HWF036, east of Rainbow Lake and south of Chateh, which was captured the evening of May 29. Fire crews with heavy equipment and air support continue their efforts to suppress this wildfire.
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.
Two wildfires near communities now extinguished
HWF034, northeast of Fort Vermilion, and HWF031, south of Tall Cree First Nation, are both now extinguished.
HWF017 at Fox Lake
The Little Red River Cree Nation Fire Department continues its work to fully suppress and extinguish this fire, which is under control and remains an estimated 5 ha in size. This wildfire poses no threat to communities at this time.
In 2025, there have been 36 wildfires in the HLFA to date, burning more than 10,000 ha.
To view wildfires on a map and for live updates, download the Alberta Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire 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.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see the boundaries of the fire ban implemented on May 29, 2025.
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.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]
Published on May 30, 2025 12:57 pm