Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update - Restriction in effect- July 11, 2021

Current Situation

Firefighters are responding to multiple lightning caused fires throughout the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.

The fire restriction remains in effect visit www.albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the affected area.

On Alert

Firefighters anticipate new wildfire starts as there is a high chance of lightning today.

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond.

Weather

For today the maximum temperature will be ranging between 22-24 degrees. The winds will be from the northwest at 20 kilometres per hour with gusts of 40 kilometers per hour. There is a chance of rain and thundershowers across the entire forest area today, with a moderate probability of lightning.

Smoky Conditions

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia may drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area.

If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.

Wildfire Situation

There were numerous new wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area yesterday.

SWF079 located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Snipe Lake is being held and is 4.0 hectares in size. The cause of the wildfire is lightning. Currently there are 16 firefighters, a dozer unit, and 2 helicopters working to extinguish the fire.

SWF083 located approximately 23 kilometers northeast of Wabasca is being held and is 45.0 hectares in size. Airtankers were successful and have surrounded the fire with retardant and knocked down open flame. The cause of the wildfire is lightning.

SWF085 located approximately kilometer 60 on Highway 88 is being held and is 14.2 hectares in size. There are 20 firefighters, 2 helicopters, a heavy equipment group and air tankers working to extinguish the fire. The cause of the wildfire is lightning.

SWF087 located approximately 44 kilometers north of Chipewyan Lake is being held and is 0.4 hectare in size. There are 4 firefighters and a helicopter currently working on this fire. The cause of the wildfire is lightning.

SWF088 located approximately 6 kilometers northwest of the community of Chipewyan Lake is under control and is 0.01 hectares in size. Currently there are 4 firefighters and a helicopter working to extinguish this fire. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

SWF089 located approximately 12 kilometers west of the Fort McMurray (North Leige CNL2) Airstrip is being held and is 0.01 hectares in size. The current resources on this fire are 4 firefighters and 1 helicopter. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

SWF090 is located approximately 15 kilometers west of the Fort McMurray (North Leige CNL2) Airstrip is under control and is 0.01 hectares in size. There are 4 firefighters and 1 helicopter working to extinguish this fire. The cause of this wildfire is lightning.

Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 90 wildfires which have burned 172.55 hectares. For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.

July 5 - fire restriction poster

Fire Restriction

The fire restriction has been expanded to include most of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta due to hot and dry conditions and increased fire danger.

The fire restriction is in effect for the Edson, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lac La Biche, Peace River, Slave Lake and Whitecourt forest areas. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the affected area.

Prevent wildfires

Under the fire restriction, you can have safe campfires in your backyard and in provincial or private campgrounds.

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.

Use of off-highway vehicles is also allowed. 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.

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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.

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