Wildfire danger for Thursday, May 23rd
The wildfire danger remains EXTREME for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area.
Lighter winds are expected for today however conditions do remain extremely dry and a fire ignites easily and spreads very quickly.
Firefighters are urging everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for Thursday, May 23rd
With the forecast calling for northeast winds, smoke from wildfires burning in northern Alberta will drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area over the next several days. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.
Wildfire Situation as of 2:00 pm May 23rd
Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area there have been 63 wildfires and 36,095 hectares burned.
On high alert
Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, various pieces of heavy equipment and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Help from other provinces is on the way
Additional firefighters have been requested through mutual aid agreements with Ontario, New Brunswick and BC. They are expected to arrive in Alberta within the next 24 hours.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 49 at 11:45 am on May 21st
For the safety of our firefighters please obey reduced speed limits when traveling on Highway 754. Visit www511.ca for the latest road report.
McMillan Wildfire Complex
Slave Lake wildfires number 49 and 50 are north of Highway 754 at kilometre 30 and 43. These wildfires are approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Wabasca, 30 kilometres northeast of Marten Beach and 40 kilometres northeast of Slave Lake.
There is no threat to communities.
Slave Lake Wildfire 49
Helicopters are bucketing and air tankers are working on the edges of the wildfire. Firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots and heavy equipment continues to build guard up the sides of the wildfire. The wildfire was measured last night and is 34,300 hectares in size.
Slave Lake Wildfire 50
Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue to make good progress fighting this wildfire. It is 100 per cent contained by fire guard and experienced no growth yesterday. Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing the edges of the wildfire and helicopters are bucketing on ho spots. The wildfire is 1,457 hectares.
Over 134 firefighters, 20 helicopters, 44 pieces of heavy equipment and three air tankers are fighting these wildfires. An incident management team of fire experts are on the complex today.
The cause of these wildfires is under investigation.
If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Lynn Daina 780-799-9253.
Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for your mobile device and check back frequently for updates. Click on the Slave Lake tab to access the wildfire update for the Slave Lake Forest Area.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
A fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction is now in effect for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area and other parts of Alberta.
The Town of Slave Lake, Big Lakes County and Town of High Prairie are also issuing a fire ban and OHV restriction.
To view a map of the fire ban/OHV restriction area visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Prohibited
Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.
When riding your off highway vehicle stop frequently to remove any build-up of debris from the hot spots on your machine. An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smouldering and fall to the ground as you drive away.
Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cool to the touch.
Unless the situation changes your next wildfire update will be issued on May 24th.
If you have any questions please contact:
Lynn Daina
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-799-9253
Email: lynn.daina@gov.ab.ca
Keep up to date on the wildfire situation by subscribing to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update or download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.
