Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update

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Wind Warning

February 7, 2022

A wind warning has been issued for Northern Alberta which includes the Slave Lake Forest Area. Winds are expected to be gusting up to 90 kilometres per hour this afternoon. Strong gusty winds coupled with warm temperatures will cause the snow to melt quickly exposing areas of dry grass and forests. Embers from a winter burn can be carried in the wind and result in unwanted fire spread.

If you are currently burning, ensure that you monitor weather conditions and have sufficient firefighting equipment nearby. Also consider postponing your burn until the winds become calmer.

If you burned this winter, go back and ensure your winter burns are extinguished. The dry conditions we are experiencing will allow for fires to smoulder under the ground and snow for weeks and resurface as a wildfire in the spring.

Starting March 1, a fire permit will be required for all burning, with the exception of a campfire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Firefighters do respond to wildfires, even in the winter. If you spot a wildfire report it by calling 310-FIRE(3743).

winter burning

Winter Burning

Fire permits are no longer required for burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. However, safe burning practices are always in season. The risk of a wildfire doesn’t end when wildfire season does – any time there is a fire on the land, there is a risk that it can spread.

If fires aren’t properly put out, they can spread and burn underground, under the snow and ice, all winter. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires. Do your part to prevent spring wildfires by revisiting your winter burns to make sure there are extinguished.

Firefighters do respond to wildfires, even in the winter. If you spot a wildfire report it by calling 310-FIRE(3743).

From November 1^st to February 28^th fire permits are not required for burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Even though a fire permit is not required, you are still responsible for any fires you ignite outside of the wildfire season.

Take the time to properly prepare your burn site. Know the requirements needed to be successful during your burn and how to properly extinguish your site.

Prior to and while burning:

Winter burns should be conducted in areas with sufficient snow cover of more than 15 centimetres and burns must be monitored the entire time. Brush piles and windrows should be free of soil, built no higher than three metres and have a fireguard or cleared land around it to prevent the fire from spreading. Only burn what you can control with the equipment and people you have available, and adjust your burning according to weather conditions.

Smoke safety:

Avoid creating smoky conditions by conducting winter burns on days with averages temperatures and wind speeds over five kilometres per hour. On days with lighter wind speeds and lower temperatures, inversions can occur causing smoke to stay close to the ground and travel great distances which causes dangerous driving conditions and can impact nearby communities.

Ensure smoke warning signs are in place before burning within half a mile (800 m) from a roadway. For more information on smoke management and to acquire signs, contact your local municipality. If you are outside of a municipality, contact Alberta Transportation. Read over the Recommended Practices for placement and instruction of a “Smoke Ahead” sign.

After burning:

Fires ignited in the winter which are not properly extinguished, can burn underground all winter long and can re-emerge as wildfires in the spring. After your burn be sure to revisit your sites.

When putting out your winter burn:

Spread remaining material within the pile and soak with water as required.
Check the area and ensure both heat and smoke are no longer being produced by the pile – it should be cool to the touch.
Check your burn site multiple times in the following weeks to ensure it has not reignited.

For more information on brush pile and windrow safe burning practices click here. If you have questions about your winter burning project please call Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Technologist Russell Murphy at 780-849-7457.

Campfires

It is very important to know that all campfires must be fully extinguished no matter what time of year it is.

When you’re finished with your campfire, make sure you properly extinguish it.

When putting out your campfire:

Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir.
Expose any materials still burning, then add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

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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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