Fire crews are keeping a close eye on five active wildfires burning in the High Level Forest Area in Alberta, as officials warn that hot and dry conditions are set to return. The largest, known as HWF094, has burned about 13,200 hectares in a remote area along the border of Wood Buffalo National Park and Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park. The second significant fire is approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Meander River and had grown to 277 hectares as of July 6, 2026.
Recent rain and cooler temperatures have helped keep the fire danger at a moderate level for now, but Alberta Wildfire says that is likely to change. A fire advisory is now in place for the entire High Level Forest Area because strong winds and a return to heat are expected to push the danger higher over the next few days.
Since the start of the year, 112 wildfires have burned roughly 14,270 hectares in the forest area. On the Meander River fire, crews are using heavy equipment, helicopters, and night vision aircraft to slow its spread. Smoke is visible from Highway 35, though officials have not yet said it is threatening the community of Meander River itself.
The remote HWF094 fire is being monitored closely but is not currently being fought on the ground because of its far-off location. It sits near the edge of a national park that is also dealing with a much larger fire situation. In Wood Buffalo National Park, the Bear Creek Wildfire Complex has burned close to 48,832 hectares and is being tackled by 86 firefighters and 11 helicopters.
The High Level area has seen devastating fire seasons before. In 2019, the Chuckegg Creek fire burned more than 350,000 hectares, forced about 5,000 people from their homes, and destroyed 11 houses in Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement.
Residents are urged to keep an emergency kit ready and have a family plan in place as the region moves into what is typically the busiest part of the fire season. Alberta Wildfire can be reached at 310-FIRE for updates and safety information.
