Wildfire Hazard
Click here to view the wildfire hazard map for May 20th.
Warm weather and winds have caused the wildfire hazard to climb to VERY HIGH to EXTREME for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. The forecast is calling for warm temperaters for the rest of the week thus the dry conditions are not expected to change.
Dry conditions continue to linger in the forest, causing the grass and other surface fuels to remain extremely flammable. Under windy conditions a fire will spread rapidly through these flammable fuels. With the start to the camping season well under way, please remember not to leave your campfire unattended. Be sure your fire is properly extinguished before you leave, and check your ATV for debris regularly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Currently in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area, 100 firefighters, 17 helicopters, 5 heavy equipment groups, 1 airtanker with a birddog, and 4 water-bombers with a birddog have been stationed strategically throughout the area and are ready to battle any new wildfires that may start. We also have firefighters in helicopters doing aerial patrols and all 20 of our lookout tower observers are continually watching for smoke.
Wildfire Status May 19 at 4:00pm
Airtankers and firefighters in helicopters are currently battling a wildfire approximately 125 kilometers north of Slave Lake on highway 88. The wildfire is burning in dead grass and is 15 hectares in size. Please avoid the area at this time. The wildfire is not threating homes or communities.
Weather Forecast
For Tuesday May 19th, the forecast is calling for the temperatures to be similar to today. The winds in the Red Earth area will be from the southeast at 15 kilometers per hour, while winds in the Swan Hills will be from the southeast at 25 gusting to 40 kilometers per hour.
For Wednesday May 20th, the forecast is calling for warm temperatures in mid twenties and light winds for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake and for areas south of Lesser Slave lake wind will be from the SE 20 gusting up to 35 kilometers per hour.
Due to the extremely dry conditions and dry surface fuels, and the Very High fire hazard, the Slave Lake Wildfire Management area has issued a fire advisory EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, for the Slave Lake forest protection area. All existing fire permits have been suspended and no new permits will be issued until conditions allow. Currently, safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and back country or random camping areas. Please be sure to use extreme caution when having a campfire. Do not leave any campfires unattended, and ensure your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished by soaking, stirring, and soaking your fire again. The fire advisory will remain effective until the fire hazard conditions improve. For local and provincial fire ban/advisory information, please check Albertafirebans.ca.