High Level Forest Area

High Level Forest Area - June 12, 2025

Wildfire situation

Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036)

The Sousa Creek Wildfire is located between the towns of Rainbow Lake and High Level, near the Chateh turnoff, and along both sides of Highway 58. This wildfire, which is currently out of control, is now estimated to cover 42,449 hectares (ha). The cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

There was very little growth on the northwest and northeast sides of the wildfire in the last 24 hours. However, there are several new hot spots on the south and southwest sides of the perimeter, which have contributed to some growth there. Airtankers dropped retardant on the southwest side of the perimeter yesterday and firefighters are working to suppress these new hot spots. 

The incident management team (IMT) continues to assess conditions on an ongoing basis and will request additional airtanker drops, as required. Night-vision-equipped helicopters are also being employed on HWF036, when available and when conditions (primarily visibility) permit, to assist with overnight operations. Last night a scan was conducted, which will help identify additional hot spots to be targeted.

HWF036 remains approximately:

• 5.3 km from the southern edge of the community (reserve area) of Chateh;
• 55 km from the southeast edge of the community (reserve area) of Meander River;
• 71 km from the western edge of the Town of High Level; and
• 27 km from the eastern edge of the Town of Rainbow Lake.

Map of HWF036 (June 12, 2025)

Firefighters and heavy equipment operators, working closely with helicopters with water buckets are continuing their perimeter work on the north and northeast sides – securing and re-enforcing these containment lines and enhancing protection for the community of Chateh. 

Alberta Wildfire and the IMT continue to work closely with Chateh community leaders and the emergency management team – also coordinating with the Chateh Fire Department to maintain structure protection in and around the community. Power to the Town of Rainbow Lake and Chateh is not currently impacted. ATCO crews continue to work on repairing damaged powerline infrastructure within the fire.  

Visible smoke is again expected on HWF036 today, which can impact ground and air visibility, especially air operations and highway safety (see below).

Posted speed and highway closures

Firefighters are asking members of the public to slow down near work areas. Please respect the 50 km/h signs for everyone’s safety. Expect delays or intermittent closures on Highway 58. Visit Alberta 511 for updates.

HWF037

This wildfire, which is within the Buffalo Hills, about 33 km west of the community of Tall Cree First Nation South, is being held at approximately 1040 ha. Firefighters with helicopter support continue making good progress building and strengthening containment lines and extinguishing hot spots. An aerial scan was conducted on this wildfire this morning and a few hot spots noted on the southeast side. There is currently no threat to communities, and the cause of this wildfire remains under investigation.

Smoke from wildfires on the Alberta-B.C. border 

Residents and others on the western side of the forest area may see smoke from three wildfires (HBZ001, HBZ002 and HBZ003) currently burning along the provincial border. The High Level Fire Centre is in regular contact with its B.C. counterpart to monitor these wildfires. The Government of Canada also monitors smoke conditions across the country.

Visit Fire Smoke Canada to see where smoke is coming from. If you have smoke-related health concerns, call 811 or visit the Alberta Health.

Wildfire statistics

Since January 1, there have been 51 wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 44,005 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.

Responding to new wildfires

The forest area has firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment ready to respond to new wildfire starts. Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flames and suspect it's a wildfire. Learn more about how to report a wildfire – the sooner you report it, the quicker firefighters can respond.

Not worth the risk 

Abiding by the rules related to fire in Alberta's Forest Protection Area (FPA) protects homes, lives, livelihoods and landscapes. 

And not following the rules can lead to serious fines and penalties, including:

• Burning without a permit — $350
• Failure to extinguish permitted burn — $840
• Leaving a campfire unattended — $600
• Starting a fire during a fire ban — $600
• Setting off explosives/fireworks in the FPA — $600
• Operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) during an OHV ban or forest closure — $1,200
• Interfering with wildfire operations — mandatory court appearance

Camping and recreating without a wood fire can be as easy as bringing along propane alternatives. Always check Alberta Fire Bans before heading out.

Unsure what activities are permitted in specific locations? Give us a call on our fire information line at 1-866-FYI-FIRE (394-3473). To report illegal fire activity call 310-FIRE (3473).