Wildfire Hazard September 2nd, 2017
With lighter winds in the forecast, the wildfire hazard for the Slave Lake Forest Area will be HIGH. Click here to view the wildfire hazard map for Saturday September 2nd.
Use caution as a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly under windy conditions. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The strong and gusty winds are expected to continue until late this evening. We are asking that all fire permit holders postpone burning as the current winds exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.
Do your part to prevent wildfires this long weekend! Never leave your campfire unattended, make sure it's out and when riding your off highway vehicle stop frequently to remove the build up of debris.
Weather
On Saturday, the forecast is calling for temperatures of 17 to 19 degrees and winds from the southwest/northeast 15 kilometres per hour. There is a slight chance of rain however the rain is not expected to be widespread or far reaching.
Smoke in the air
Smoke from wildfires in the United States and British Columbia may drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Find out the latest smoke update by visiting www.firesmoke.ca If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811.
Wildfire Situation as of September 1st, 2017 4:00 pm
There have been no new wildfires today. Since March 1st, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 116 wildfires, burning a total area of 8, 244.88 hectares. Of the 115 wildfires, 115 have been extinguished and one remains being held.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here.
Photo of smouldering ground fires on SWF 107 taken on August 30th at 3:00 pm
Slave Lake Wildfire number 107 is located 50 kilometres northeast of Chipewyan Lakes.This wildfire is currently classified as ‘Being Held' at 7,558 hectares. Being held means that given the current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
Fire Permits
During the Fire Season a fire permit is required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area -excluding campfires.
To obtain your free fire permit, please call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office:
- Slave Lake/Red Earth/Peerless/Trout 780-849-7377
- Wabasca 780-891-3860
- High Prairie 780-523-6619
Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape and if you are burning without a fire permit or outside your fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a fire permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.
Please do your part to prevent wildfires
Ride Debris Free. An Off-Highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smoldering and fall onto the ground as you drive away.You can help reduce your chance of starting a wildfire by stopping frequently to remove any build up of debris from the hot spots on your machine.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on September 2nd, 2017.
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)