Three wildfires are burning in the High Level Forest Area in northern Alberta, with fire danger now rated very high because of rising temperatures. Alberta Wildfire says crews are working to contain the blazes, but dry conditions mean the risk of more fires is serious.
The largest fire, known as HWF094, sits on the border of Wood Buffalo National Park and Caribou Mountains Wildland Provincial Park. It has burned 13,200 hectares but is now classified as being held, meaning it is not expected to grow under current conditions. Crews are monitoring the remote blaze.
A second fire, HWF096, is burning about 20 kilometres southeast of Meander River and remains out of control at 277 hectares. Smoke from this fire is visible from Highway 35 and nearby areas. Firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopters are battling it around the clock, including overnight with night-vision helicopters.
A third fire, HWF097, is located 10 kilometres northwest of the delta of Chalifaux Creek and Whitesand River and has burned 38 hectares. It is also being held.
So far in 2026, 101 wildfires have burned a total of 14,321 hectares in the High Level Forest Area, according to Alberta Wildfire. A fire restriction is now in place for the area. Wood campfires are banned on public land, though they are still allowed in designated provincial campgrounds and on private property.
Residents are being asked to use caution with anything that could spark a fire and to keep an eye on official updates for changing conditions. The hot, dry forecast for the rest of the summer means the danger is likely to stay high for weeks to come.
