Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update

Wildfire Danger

Warm and sunny weather has caused the wildfire danger to climb in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Click here to view today's wildfire danger map.

The wildfire danger is high for areas around High Prairie, along the south shore of the lake to Kinuso, Wabasca, Sandy Lake, Chipewyan Lakes, Red Earth Creek, and Peerless Lake.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution as areas of dead grass are flammable. A fire will ignite easily and spread quickly under these dry and windy conditions. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or text #FIRE on your cell phone.

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Photo: Piece of catalytic converter which caused a grass fire in the ditch.

Wildfire Situation

Yesterday afternoon firefighters responded to two small grass fires along highway 2 west of Slave Lake. The wildfires were caused by a vehicle malfunction. Pieces of catalytic converter ignited the dry grass in the ditch. Do your part to prevent wildfires. Before heading out on a road trip ensure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.

Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 26 wildfires which have burned 27.91 hectares.

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

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 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.

Firefighters Burning

Over the next several weeks firefighters will be burning 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.

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New Alberta Wildfire App

Did you know Alberta Wildfire just launched a brand new app to keep you up-to-date with the wildfire situation in the province?

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.

Wildfire Prevention

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Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire

During the 2021 wildfire season, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry may be conducting one or more prescribed fires approximately 12.5 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake. The exact location of the prescribed fire area is directly north of Kilometre 123 on the C-Road.

The prescribed fires will vary in size from 3 to 5 hectares and burning will take place when forecasted weather and on-the-ground conditions allow for a safe, controlled burn.

Smoke may be visible at times but will be localized and short lived. Public roads and highways are expected to remain open; however, traffic may be controlled. Watch for Prescribed Fire in Progress and Smoke signage near the area.

Wildfire Information

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