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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 continue their work to suppress HWF036, which — on its western edge — is about 31 km east of the Town of Rainbow Lake and south of Chateh. This wildfire, which is currently out of control, has increased in size today and is now an estimated 16,000 hectares (ha). Given its proximity to Chateh, residents and others are evacuating the community.
Fire crews and heavy equipment operators are continuing to build containment with a focus on the north and northwest perimeters. These crews will continue their work overnight as part of our efforts to protect people, communities, the highway and other infrastructure in the area. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
Highway 58 is currently closed to non-emergency-related traffic. Please check 511 for updates.
HWF037 west of TCFN South
This wildfire, which is approximately 35 km west of the western perimeter of Tall Cree First Nation (TCFN) South, is currently burning out of control at an estimated 750 ha. Airtankers have conducted several retardant drops to this point and more suppression actions are planned once conditions permit. This will include the use of ground crews, heavy equipment and further air support — including bucketing helicopters, skimmers and airtankers, as required, to suppress this wildfire and build guard (containment lines) to protect TCFN communities.
HWF038 northeast of the Town of High Level
This wildfire, which is approximately 8 km east-northeast of the Town of High Level and 3 km north of Highway 58, is now being held at just over 1 ha. Fire crews and bucketing helicopters are working to further suppress this wildfire. There are no threats to communities at this time. This wildfire was caused by lightning.
HWF040 east of La Crete Ferry
Firefighters, heavy equipment and airtankers, as required, are working to suppress this wildfire, which is 20 km east of the Tompkins Landing (La Crete) Ferry, 35 km east of Highway 35, and 2.5 km south of Highway 697. It is currently out of control at an estimated 220 ha. The La Crete Fire Department is supporting Alberta Wildfire, providing structural protection for homes and other key infrastructure in the area.
La Crete and Fort Vermilion fire departments, supported by heavy equipment, will be working throughout the night to enhance our efforts to protect people, homes and infrastructure.
An aerial view of HWF040, east of the La Crete Ferry, at approximately 6:30 pm (May 30).
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.
In 2025, there have been 42 wildfires in the HLFA to date, burning more than 17,000 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 9:37 pm