High Level Forest Area

High Level Forest Area - October 31, 2025

End of wildfire season

Wildfire season ends today, which means fire permits are no longer required. Wildfires can start any time of the year when conditions are dry. Remember to follow safe burning practices to prevent any unwanted human-caused wildfires. Alberta continues to be ready to respond to any new wildfires even after wildfire season is over. Call 310-FIRE to report wildfires.

Safe burning practices are always in season

• Burn the pile quickly, then extinguish it. Smouldering debris piles prolong the danger of smoke.
• Continually monitor the piles to ensure they’re burning safely and efficiently.
• Building clean piles helps them burn faster, reducing the smoke impacts to the community.
• Ensure proper signage is put out on roadways to alert the public of smoke hazards. You can be held liable if an accident occurs due to smoke. Signs are available at La Prairie Group (780-926-3208) or Mackenzie County (780-927-3718).
• Ensure you quickly extinguish fires burning on peat moss. The longer the fire smoulders, the greater the risk of smoke and of the fire spreading into the ground.

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 126 wildfires reported in the High Level Forest Area, burning a total of 59,249 hectares. There are 3 active wildfires in the High Level Forest Area, all of which are classified as under control. See the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard for up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, statistics and more.

Prevent wildfires 

With 57% of wildfires in Alberta caused by people, prevention is important—especially during the dry fall season. Do your part to prevent wildfires by following simple safety steps whether you’re hunting, farming, or riding off-highway vehicles.

Hunting season

Hunting season is now underway. If you are in an area permitted to have a campfire, ensure you are doing so safely:

• Build campfires in safe areas, clear of grass, twigs and leaves.
• Keep fires small and never leave them unattended.
• Extinguish your campfire before going to bed or leaving the site. Soak it, stir it and soak it again.
• A fire is out only when no heat remains in the ashes.

Riding off-highway vehicles

• Stop frequently to clear debris like grass, moss, or muskeg from your machine.
• Carry essential firefighting tools: shovel, fire extinguisher, and bucket.
• Avoid riding through dry vegetation where heat or sparks could ignite a fire.

Farming

• Regularly inspect machinery and clear away debris, especially around hot spots.
• Keep equipment well-maintained to reduce the risk of sparks.
• Always carry firefighting tools on your equipment, including a shovel, fire extinguisher, and bucket.

Alberta Wildfire is hiring

We’re looking for hard-working and dedicated people to join our wildland firefighting crews for the 2026 wildfire season. Apply today through Alberta Job Postings.