Wildfire Hazard September 5th, 2017
The wildfire hazard for the Slave Lake Forest Area is HIGH. Click here to view the wildfire hazard map for Tuesday September 5th.
Use caution when working or recreating in the forest. Under these dry conditions, a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly with the wind. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
Do your part to prevent wildfires! 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 Tuesday, the forecast is calling for temperatures 25 degrees and winds from the southeast/southwest 10 to 15 kilometres per hour.
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 5th, 2017 11:30 am
There was one new wildfire yesterday. It is under control at 0.2 hectares. Since March 1st, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 120 wildfires, burning a total area of 9,301.39 hectares. Of the 119 wildfires, 118 have been extinguished, one is under control and one is classified as out of control.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here.
Photo of SWF107 September 5th at 11:00 am
Slave Lake Wildfire number 107 is located 50 kilometres northeast of Chipewyan Lakes and 112 kilometres northwest of Fort McMurray. This wildfire did experience some growth to the southeast late Sunday afternoon. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 8, 614 hectares in size.
On Sunday and Monday, airtankers fought this wildfire and were successful in slowing the spread. Today 17 firefighters with helicopters are working on extinguishing the smouldering ground fires along the edges of this wildfire.
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 6th, 2017.
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)