Wildfire Hazard
The wildfire hazard will remain VERY HIGH with the continued warm temperatures and strong, gusty winds for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Conditions in the forest are still dry. The grass is extremely flammable and under windy conditions a fire will spread very quickly. Residents, visitors and May long weekend campers are urged to be extra cautious with their camp fires. Do not leave campfires unattended and be sure your fire is properly extinguished by soaking, stirring, and soaking your campfire again before you leave. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Firefighters with helicopters, heavy equipment, airtankers and a birddog have been stationed strategically throughout the area and are ready to fight any new wildfires that may start. We also have firefighters in helicopters doing aerial patrols and all 20 of our lookout tower observers are constantly watching for smoke.
Fire Advisory
Due to the extremely dry conditions and dry surface fuels, and the very high fire risk, Slave Lake Wildfire Management area has issued a fire advisory EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, for the Lesser Slave forest protection area. All current existing fire permits have been suspended and no new permits will be issued until conditions allow. Currently, safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and back country or random camping areas. Please be sure to use extreme caution when having a campfire. Do not leave any campfires unattended, and ensure your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished by soaking, stirring, and soaking your fire again. The fire advisory will remain effective until the fire hazard conditions improve.
Weather Forecast
For Thursday May 14th, the forecast is calling for continued warm temperatures. Winds in the Red Earth area will be from the South 15, and winds in the Swan Hills area will be from the southeast 20 gusting to 35 kilometers per hour.
Wildfire Report as of May 13 4:00 pm
In the last 24 hours, there was 1 new wildfires. This fire is under control, and has burnt 0.2 hectares.
Since April 1, the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area has recorded 46 wildfires which have burned 312.16 hectares. 44 have been extinguished and 2 are under control.
From March 1 to October 31, Albertans in the forested areas need to get a FIRE PERMIT for any burning, excluding campfires. To request your free fire permit call your local Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Office.
Slave Lake/Red Earth 780.849.7377
High Prairie 780.523.6619
Wabasca 780.891.3890
Due to the fire advisory, all existing permits have been suspended, and no new permits will be issued until the advisory is lifted.
May long weekend: what to know before you go
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be May 14th, 2015.
Shawna Lund- Information Officer
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
Office: 780.849.7412
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Shawna.Lund@gov.ab.ca
To report wildfires call 310-FIRE