Slave Lake Forest Area - May 01, 2025 - 2:36 pm
The wildfire danger is very high in the Slave Lake Forest Area due to expected hot, dry and windy conditions.
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors, as areas of dead grass will ignite easily, and a fire will spread quickly under windy conditions.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Fire lookout observers are watching for smoke and firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Wildfire situation
There were 2 new wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area yesterday. SWF036 was extinguished and SWF037 is under control.
Since January 1, 2025, 37 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 31.03 hectares.
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status app or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
Firefighters burning grass
Firefighters continue to burn areas of dead dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning is an efficient way to remove this extremely flammable fire fuel. Trained firefighters conduct these burns under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and to minimize the impact of smoke to roadways and communities.
If you have any questions about these grass burns contact Wildfire Information Office Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is now in effect for the central region of the Forest Protection Area.
All valid fire permits are suspended, and no new fire permits will be issued.
Prohibited:
• Outdoor wood campfires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
• Burning with a fire permit
• Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
• Safe wood campfires in private and provincial operated campgrounds with a designated fire ring
• Backyard firepits on private land
• Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
• Barbecue charcoal briquettes
• Indoor wood fires
• Open flame oil devices
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.
To view an up-to-date map of fire bans, restrictions, and advisories across Alberta, visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Prevent wildfires
Spring wildfires are almost always human-caused. Please do your part and follow these tips to help prevent wildfires:
- Check your winter burns – Fires started during the winter can smolder underground and reignite in the spring if not fully extinguished. Always ensure your winter burns are completely out.
- Extinguish your campfire — Never leaver your campfire unattended. Soak it with water, stir the ashes, then soak it again until it’s cold to the touch.
- Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) – Stop frequently to remove debris from hot spots on your vehicle. Always carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail and extinguisher.
- Don’t park in tall grass – The heat from your vehicle’s muffler can ignite dry grass. Always park on bare ground or gravel.
- Use equipment safely – Operate spark-producing equipment away from dry grass and always have a shovel and water source on hand.
- Farming equipment – Clean debris from hot spots regularly and keep firefighting tools like a shovel, pail, and extinguisher nearby.
Find wildfire information
We've updated the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. This interactive map and display provides wildfire locations, statistics and more in one convenient location.
The AB Wildfire Status app remains the best option to view wildfire information on a mobile device.
Apple Store
Google Play
Published on May 1, 2025 2:35 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Media inquiries
780-420-1968
Wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca