Wildfire Danger
The wildfire danger is MODERATE to VERY HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
The northern portion received rain overnight however areas around and south of Utikuma Lake did not and a VERY HIGH wildfire danger persists.
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution as under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
On Alert
Firefighters anticipate new starts with the high probability of lightning expected and recent lightning that has occurred.
Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Weather
For today the maximum temperature will be 15 degrees and winds will be from the north at 20 kilometres per hour. There is a good chance of lightning for the areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake.
Wildfire Situation
No new wildfires overnight.
SWF060 started late Sunday afternoon and is located 15 kilometres northwest of Muskwa Lake. The wildfire is being held and is 1.4 hectares in size. Being held means under current weather conditions and with the firefighting efforts applied the wildfire is not expected to grow past expected boundaries. Firefighters are working to extinguish hotspots on the wildfire.
SWF055 started late Sunday morning and is located 11 kilometres north of Loon Lake. The wildfire is being held and is 15.9 hectares in size. Being held means under current weather conditions and with the firefighting efforts applied the wildfire is not expected to grow past expected boundaries. Firefighters are working to extinguish hotspots. This wildfire is not threatening the community.
SWF046 started on the afternoon of June 5th and is located 10 kilometres east of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire has burned 63.2 hectares and is being held. Being held means under current weather conditions and with the firefighting efforts applied the wildfire is not expected to grow past expected boundaries. A guard has been built around the entire wildfire and firefighters are working to extinguish hotspots. This wildfire is not threatening any communities.
Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 60 wildfires which have burned 116.38 hectares.
For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds.
Under this advisory:
· Existing fire permits are still valid.
· New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
Prohibited:
· Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.
Safe campfires, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue and recreational off-highway vehicles are allowed.
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for a map of the affected area.
Prevent Wildfires
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.
Subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email when new information is posted.Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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 June 8th, 2021.
If you have any questions please contact:
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile:780-849-0945
Email:Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
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