A specialized High Level Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) crew in northern Alberta conducted controlled burns near the community as part of their preparations for the upcoming fire season. High Level established one of the first two WUI teams in the province seven years ago, with eight teams currently active across Alberta, including in Clearwater County, Kananaskis, Strathmore, Hinton, Slave Lake, Lac La Biche, and the KTC Tribal Council in Red Earth Creek.
The crew members are trained to handle traditional structure fires and wildland firefighting tasks. High Level WUI team lead, Brady Clarke, explained that their focus is on the intermediate area between urban and wildland firefighting zones, offering a unique advantage.
High Level, a town with over 4,000 residents located about 740 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, has been a central hub for fire evacuations in recent years. Mayor Josh Lambert highlighted the impact of the 2019 Chuckegg Creek wildfire, which burned over 350,000 hectares for more than a year before containment. High Level has also provided shelter for fire evacuees from neighboring regions and flood victims from Mackenzie County.
The town has been considering the construction of a new multipurpose evacuation center to replace the current makeshift facilities, which include the High Level Sports Complex and Curling Club. Lambert estimated the project cost at around $60 million, emphasizing the need for external funding support from provincial or federal sources.
Fire prevention measures, such as creating fire guards around the town and hazard reduction burns, have been crucial in mitigating fire risks in High Level. The town’s WUI team plays a vital role in these efforts by conducting hazard reduction burns, tree removal, and structure protection, providing essential support to the community due to its remote location.
Local officials have engaged with provincial and federal governments to secure funding for the evacuation center and strengthen disaster preparedness in the region. Collaboration between various levels of government continues to be a priority to ensure the safety and protection of residents in the face of natural disasters in northern communities.