Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Click here to view the wildfire danger map.

Under the warm and dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution while working or recreating in the forested areas.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

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Photo: SWF123 July 28 at 5:57pm Grass fire caused by farming equipment.

Wildfire Situation

There was one new wildfire last night in the Kinuso area. The 3.9 hectare grass fire was caused by a mechanical malfunction on a piece of farming equipment. Firefighters want to remind everyone that conditions are extremely dry and any spark will ignite a fire. When using any type of machinery including off-highway vehicles, you should always carry firefighting equipment on board, a fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and a receptacle filled with at least five litres of water.

SWF123 is under control however, smoke may be seen in the area as the bales continue to burn. A firefighter with a water tank is patrolling the area.

SWF114 located 39 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake is under control and is 85 hectares in size. A fireguard has been built around the wildfire and firefighters are patrolling on foot to extinguish smouldering ground fires.

SWF099 located 28 kilometres northeast of Chipewyan Lake is being held and is 2,734 hectares in size. Firefighters have seen diminished fire behavior on the majority of the wildfire. Today, airtankers will be working with firefighters and a helicopter to douse hotspots along the southern perimeter.

Being held means under the current weather conditions and with the firefighting efforts that have been applied the wildfire is not expected to grow past predetermined boundaries.

To view the wildfires on a map click here.

Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 123 wildfires which have burned 3,021.51 hectares.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 959 wildfires recorded in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, burning a total of 47,587.00 hectares.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca

On Alert

Firefighters anticipate new wildfire starts due to the lightning expected today.

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are ready to respond.

Weather

The forecast is calling for a high of 27 degrees and winds form the northwest at 10 kilometres per hour. There is a moderate chance of lightning for areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake.

Smoke

Smoke from wildfires in Saskatchewan and British Columbia may drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811.

Fire Advisory 1

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Under this advisory:

Valid fire permits have been reinstated.
New fire permits will issued on an as needed basis.
The burning of brush piles, windrows, and/or other heavy debris is not permitted at this time.

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires *
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one meter around the fire.
Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving.
Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire.
Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for information on fire bans, restrictions and advisories across Alberta.

Fire Permits

From now until October 31st, a fire permit is required for any burning, except a campfire, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

To request your free fire permit call your local Agriculture and Forestry office.

Red Earth/Slave Lake 780-849-7377

Wabasca 780-891-3860

High Prairie 780-523-6619

Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside of fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Photo: SWF091 abandoned campfire found at a day use area north of Slave Lake on the afternoon of Sunday July 11.

Prevent wildfires

On the afternoon of Sunday July 11th an off-duty firefighter found an abandoned campfire in a day use area north of Slave Lake. The smouldering campfire was extinguished by firefighters in 10 minutes.

Firefighters want to remind everyone to take the time to put out your campfire before you leave.

When putting out your campfire:

Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir.
Expose any materials still burning, then add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

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Wildfire Information

Download the new app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more.

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.

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Subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email when new information is posted.

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