Wildfire Hazard September 11th, 2017
Strong and gusty winds forecasted for today have caused the wildfire hazard to climb in the Slave Lake Forest Area. The wildfire hazard is HIGH for areas around and north of Red Earth Creek and Wabasca. For areas around Lesser Slave Lake the wildfire hazard is MODERATE to LOW.
Fire permit holders must postpone burning as the winds today will exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.
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 Monday, the forecast is calling for temperatures of 20 to 23 degrees and winds from the west 20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 40. There is a chance of rain for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake.
Smoke in the air
Smoke from wildfires in the United States and British Columbia will continue to 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 11th, 2017 11:00 am
There were no new wildfires over the weekend. Since March 1st, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 122 wildfires, burning a total area of 17,463.61 hectares. Of the 122 wildfires, 121 have been extinguished and one (SWF107) is being held.
Photo of SWF107 September 11th at 9:30 am.
Slave Lake Wildfire 107 is located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Chipewyan Lakes and 112 kilometres northwest of Fort McMurray.
Rain and cooler temperatures this weekend gave firefighters a helping hand. On Sunday morning firefighters declared SWF107 as being held. Being held means under current weather conditions and firefighting resources this wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.The updated size of the wildfire is 17,023 hectares. The wildfire did not grow over the weekend.The change in size is due to the aerial ignition operation that occurred last week and the increased visibility which allowed firefighters to accurately measure the wildfire.
Current map of SWF107
Click here to view map as a .pdf
Since this wildfire occurs in a zone where it does not threaten communities or resources it is being allowed to burn onto the landscape naturally under the watchful eye of experienced fire managers. Using this wildfire management strategy has many benefits; it re-introduces fire onto the landscape, creates a break in the continuous fuels, reduces the intensity of the fire providing safety zones for our firefighting crews to work from and reduces the cost of fighting these wildfires.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here.
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 12, 2017.
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)