High Level Forest Area - May 31, 2025

Wildfire situation

HWF036 - Sousa Creek Wildfire

Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue their suppression efforts on HWF036, which is currently out of control and now an estimated 25,000 hectares (ha). This wildfire — at its western edge — remains about 31 km east of the Town of Rainbow Lake and is currently about 7.5 km from the southern edge of the community of Chateh. Given its proximity to Chateh, residents and others have evacuated the community.

This wildfire was active through the night and has crossed north of Highway 58 in several places near the Chateh turnoff. Overnight growth into today has been eastbound, adjacent to Highway 58 and burning into the western edge of the Basset fire of 2023. North of the highway, it has progressed east-northeast towards the previous fire boundary and the Chinchaga River. 

An aerial view of the Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036) where it burned into the old Basset wildfire area, east of the Chateh turnoff near Highway 58 (May 31).

Airtankers made several retardant drops this morning, and fire crews and heavy equipment operators continue their efforts to build containment (guard) with a focus on the northern perimeters. Containment northwest of the highway at the Chateh turnoff has, so far, been successful and additional containment line is being established along the northern flank of the eastern portion of the fire (east of the Chateh turnoff). 

Crews will continue to work along the northern edge of the fire today with operations continuing overnight as part of our ongoing efforts to protect people, communities, the highway and other infrastructure in the area. Structure protection (SP) efforts continue in the Chateh community with additional SP resources deployed from the Town of Rainbow Lake.

Highway 58 is open, however expect delays (please check 511 for updates). The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation. 

An aerial view of westbound Highway 58, south of the community of Chateh (May 31)

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 940 ha. There was some growth overnight; however, this was slowed as the fire moved into areas to the northeast, which had previously burned in 2015.

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. Skimmers are expected to do water drops today and some heavy equipment (dozer crews) is set to move into location this evening.

HWF040 east of La Crete Ferry

Firefighters, bucketing helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers, as required, continue their suppression efforts on this wildfire, which is approximately 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 395 ha. The La Crete Fire Department is supporting Alberta Wildfire, providing structural protection for homes and other key infrastructure in the area. The Fort Vermilion Fire Department has also been providing support.

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 26,000 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.

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]