A specialized team in High Level, Alberta, is gearing up for the upcoming fire season by conducting controlled burns near the community. This team, formed seven years ago, is one of eight Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) crews operating in the province. The High Level crew, trained in both traditional structure firefighting and wildland firefighting, plays a crucial role in the region.
High Level, located about 740 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, has become a key evacuation hub in recent years due to wildfires and flooding. Mayor Josh Lambert highlighted the town’s importance as a service area for around 30,000 people in nearby communities. The town has hosted fire evacuees and provided shelter during emergencies.
Efforts are underway to establish a multipurpose evacuation center in High Level, with discussions ongoing about its construction and funding. The facility is envisioned to serve as both an evacuation shelter and a recreational space. However, the town faces financial challenges in realizing this project without sufficient support from provincial or federal authorities.
Fire prevention measures, including hazard reduction burns and creating fire guards around the town, have been crucial in mitigating wildfire risks in High Level. The town’s WUI team plays a vital role in conducting hazard reduction burns, protecting structures, and responding promptly to wildfire incidents in the area.
Despite facing remote location challenges, the High Level WUI team remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of the community and providing timely responses when needed. Plans for enhancing emergency response capabilities, including the proposed evacuation center, are essential for bolstering preparedness in the town.