Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire Danger 

Warm and dry conditions have caused the wildfire danger to climb to HIGH - VERY HIGH for the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution as under these warm and dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone. 

Weather

For today the maximum temperature will be 23 degrees and winds will be from the west 20  kilometres per hour. Crossover conditions are expected. Crossover is the point at which the relative humidity is less than or equal to the temperature. It is an indicator of extreme burning conditions.

On Alert

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters and airtankers  are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

Wildfire Situation

There were three new wildfires over the weekend. Two are under control and one has been extinguished.

Late last night a wildfire was reported by motorists traveling along Highway 88. Firefighters responded and contained the five hectare grass fire.

Thank you to the motorists for calling 310-FIRE and providing the accurate location and information.

Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 42 wildfires which have burned 38.39 hectares.

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

Calling 310-FIRE

The 310-FIRE line was created as a means for the public to report wildfires in the forested areas. If you see fire threatening a community, call 911 immediately.

When calling into 310-FIRE, here are some tips about the kind of information needed.

Where is the fire?

Depending on where the fire is, information such as an address, landmark or nearby road will help in determining the fire’s exact location.

How is the fire burning?

Supplying details about the appearance and behavior of the wildfire will help us determine what kind of resources to assign to it. For example:

• What is burning – Grass? Trees? Is it on agricultural land?
• How fast is it spreading – Is it stationary? Is it slower or faster than a normal walking speed?
• What colour is the smoke – Is it light grey or dark grey to black?
• How thick is the smoke – Is it light or heavy?
• What is the base size – Is it small, medium or large?
• Condition of smoke – Is it traveling straight up, drifting high or drifting low?

Other relevant information

• What’s in the immediate area? Are there values at risk, such as homes or structures, roads, or campgrounds?
• Is there road access available to the area or is it blocked?
• Is it a high traffic area?
• Is there a water source nearby?

Prevent Wildfires

All of the wildfires so far this season in the Slave Lake Forest Area have been human caused. 

All human caused wildfires are preventable.

Please do your part to prevent wildfires.

If you plan to use an OHV remember to stop often and check hot spots. Debris can heat up, drop to the ground and start a wildfire.

When having a campfire, keep it small, safe and always attended. When you are leaving your site or headed to bed, your campfire must be extinguished. Soak it, stir up the ashes, soak it again to ensure it is out.

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.

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. 

Updates are provided weekly when the wildfire danger is low to moderate and daily when the wildfire danger reaches high to extreme. 

Unless conditions change you can expect your next wildfire update on June 1st, 2021.

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

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Apps:

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.