High Level Forest Area - April 24, 2025
Due to warmer and windy conditions, the fire danger level in the High Level Forest Area (HLFA) is now assessed as high.
This high wildfire danger level applies primarily to the southern half of the HLFA, essentially south of Zama Road. This includes the areas around Rainbow Lake, Chateh, the Town of High Level, and the communities of Tall Cree First Nation and the Little Red River Cree Nation. The wildfire danger level for the northern half of the HLFA remains low, given the amount of snow and damp areas throughout.
As snow melts, and forest and other areas dry out, the risk of a wildfire igniting in dry grass and vegetation like twigs, small branches and brush, increases. Keep a close watch of your surroundings when working and recreating outdoors – and consider applying FireSmart techniques (see below) around your home and property.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Fire permits required
As we are now in the official wildfire season (Mar. 1 to Oct. 31), fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits are free and can be requested from the High Level Forest Area (HLFA) main office at 780-926-5407 or online. With seasonal staff now in place, we should be able to respond quickly to your request.
Wildfire update
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard – and learn more about wildfire status definitions used in Alberta.
Community outreach
Ongoing engagement with residents, communities, industry and others in the HLFA is key to building relationships and trust – and an awareness of the importance of wildfire prevention and forestry management as part of our collective efforts to enhance public safety and protect our communities and the environment.
We are in the midst of conducting a number of school presentations and will be participating in several community trade shows and events over the next 10 days. Look for us at these events:
- April 25/26 – La Crete Spring Trade Show (Raymond Knelsen Arena)
- May 2/3 – High Level & District Trade Show (High Level Sports Complex)
- May 4 – FireSmart (Canfor Park) with the HL Fire Dept and Wildland Urban Interface Team
If your school or organization would like an interactive presentation on wildfire prevention and basic forestry management, please contact our information coordinator ([email protected]).
Prevent spring wildfires
Please revisit your winter burn site to ensure it is fully extinguished – see video.
- Spread out the remaining woody debris.
- Scan the ashes by looking, smelling and carefully feeling with a bare hand for any signs of smoke or heat from the pile.
- Soak hot spots and stir until they're completely extinguished.
- Check your burn site multiple times in the coming weeks to ensure it has not reignited.
FireSmart your home, farm and acreage
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow.
Flames aren’t the only threat: An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. By taking proactive measures around your house and property, you can increase your resistance to wildfire.
Visit FireSmart Alberta for information on how to get started.
Published on April 24, 2025 3:40 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Mark Giles
780-285-4490
[email protected]