At this time, firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are fighting a wildfire south of Swampy Lake approximately 23 kilometers south of Loon River First Nation. Heavy Equipment has arrived and are starting to build guard around this wildfire.
Also, there is a wildfire at km 233 on highway 88 approximately 80 kilometres north of Red Earth. RCMP have closed highway 88 north of the town of Red Earth to the South Tallcree Turn off.
Check 511 for the road closure.
Wildfire Hazard
HIGH to VERY HIGH wildfire hazard persists for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. We are expecting very strong and gusty winds Thursday and Friday for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake. Use extreme caution while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). The forests are very dry and under windy conditions a wildfire will spread very quickly.
Due to strong and gusty winds expected for Thursday and Friday, a FIRE ADVISORY for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area is in effect as of 10:00 am July 2. Existing permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued. Exceptions are burn barrels, smudges, sweat lodges and smokehouses.These will be allowed. A valid permit is required and conditions must be followed. Safe campfires are allowed in backyards, campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas.
Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up to date information on the fire advisory.
We thank you for your cooperation. Abiding by the fire advisory you help keep our firefighters free to fight existing wildfires any new wildfires that may start.
A fire weather advisory has been declared for central and northern Alberta click here for information.
Weather Forecast
For Thursday, the forecast is calling for warm temperatures and winds from the southwest 20 kilometres per hour. For areas north of Lesser Slave Lake, the winds are expected to become strong and gusty later this evening.
For Friday,winds are expected to become very strong and gusty due to a cold front that is pushing in. The winds will be from the northwest 30 gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake.
Photo of Slave Lake Wildfire Number 176 at 1130 am July 2nd.
Wildfire Situation as of 11:00 am July 2
Since June 30th there have been 38 new wildfires in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Five are out of control, six are being held and eight are under control. These wildfires are located far from communities. Thanks to hard work of firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment nineteen of these wildfires have been extinguished.
Summary of wildfires classified as out of control
Firefighters in helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment continue to work on containing these wildfires.
SWF 142 is located 26 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake and is 13 hectares.
SWF163 and 164 These wildfires are located 2.5 kilometres north of kilometre 20 on highway 754 are estimated to be 40 hectares and 3.5 hectares. These wildfires are not threatening the highway. Dozers have completed guard around 50 per cent of wildfire number 163.
SWF175 is located 36 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake and is 15 hectares.
SWF176 is located 56 kilometres northeast of Wabasca and is 10 hectares.
Check the Alberta Wildfire App or click here for the location and status of these wildfires. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.
Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 177 wildfires that have burned a total of 1, 361.53 hectares.
For information on the wildfires burning in Alberta visit the Wildfire Status Map at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App.
At this time, smoke from wildfires in High Level and the Northwest Territories is drifting into the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24/7 health advise from health link Alberta. For a smoke forecast map please visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada.
Soak it, Stir it up and Soak it Again
Make sure your campfire is out. Soak it thoroughly, stir it up and soak it thoroughly again. Hold your hand above the ashes to check for heat. Click here to learn how you can make sure your campfire is out.
Help prevent wildfires while riding your off-highway vehicle
When riding your off-highway vehicle be sure to stop often and clean any debris from the hotspots. Unchecked, the debris can build up, begin to smolder and fall away sparking a wildfire. Click here to learn how you can prevent wildfires while riding your off-highway vehicle.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfires.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 2nd.
Leah Lovequist- Wildfire Information Officer
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
Office: 780.849.7412
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
To report wildfires call 310-FIRE
For information about wildfires in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ABGovWildfire or Facebook. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.