Wildfire Danger
Warm weather has caused the wildfire danger to climb to HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake are at VERY HIGH.
Crossover conditions are expected today. Crossover is the point at which the relative humidity is less than or equal to the temperature and it is an indicator of extreme burning conditions.
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.
The wildfire danger will continue to climb as the forecast is calling for extremely hot weather for the next several days.
On Alert
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.
Wildfire Situation
There were no new wildfires yesterday.
Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 70 wildfires which have burned 105.50 hectares.
For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
Weather
For today the maximum temperature will be 26 degrees and winds will be from the southwest 20 kilometres per hour. Extremely warm temperatures are expected for the next several days.
Fire Advisory
A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to forecasted high temperatures and low relative humidity. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for a map of the affected area.
Under this advisory:
- Current permits are suspended;
- No new fire permits will be issued until conditions improve;
- Some essential burning may be allowed, at the discretion of a forest officer;
- Permits for fireworks will require approval from a wildfire prevention officer before being issued by a forest officer.
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires *
- Backyard fire pits
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring.
They are required to:
- Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
- Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
- Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire.
Firefighters thank you for your cooperation. The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
If your burning is essential please contact the local Agriculture and Forestry office to submit your request for a fire permit.
Red Earth/Slave Lake 780-849-7377
Wabasca 780-891-3860
High Prairie 780-523-6619
Prevent Wildfires
Please do your part to prevent wildfires.
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.
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.
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 25, 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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