Cooler temperatures brings wildfire hazard down to VERY HIGH for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Until we receive a significant amount of rain, the dry conditions in the forests will persist. We are urging residents and visitors to be very careful in the forested areas.
Firefighters,aircraft and heavy equipment are stationed strategically throughout the area and ready to battle any new wildfires that may start. We also have firefighters in helicopters doing aerial patrols and all 20 of our lookout tower observers are continually watching for smoke.
Update on Wildfires in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
There were no new wildfire starts yesterday. Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 85 wildfires and just over 1,193 hectares burned.
The Old Smith Highway and Trout Lake wildfires are BEING HELD. The wildfires are not expected to grow based on the current weather conditions. Firefighters will continue to work hard to extinguish smoldering ground fires.
Wildfires NE of North Wabasca LakeThanks to the hard work of firefighters,aircraft and heavy equipment the wildfire in the community of Bigstone at north end of the Lake is 100% contained. The wildfire to the NE of that wildfire is being held. Firefighters will continue to work hard to extinguish smoldering ground fires.
Continuing hot, dry weather has elevated the wildfire hazard to very high and extreme in most parts of Alberta. The fire ban is in place to protect Albertans from the threat of wildfire.
Where is the fire ban?
The fire ban applies to Alberta’s forests as set by the Forest Protection Area regulation. Other jurisdictions outside of Alberta’s forested areas, including counties and municipalities, may issue their own fire restriction or fire bans.
What's prohibited?
All open fires are banned, including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas. This includes charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
What is allowed?
Portable propane fire pits and gas or propane stoves and barbeques (not charcoal briquettes) designed for cooking or heating, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
Are fire permits allowed?
No. All fire permits are suspended or cancelled in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area and no new fire permits will be issued.
We truly appreciate your cooperation. Abiding by the fire ban helps keep our firefighters free to fight new wildfire starts.
Cell: 780.849.0945