Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is LOW.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on April 27th.
Firefighters burning grass
This afternoon Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Firefighters will be burning grass east of Highway 88, north of Slave Lake.
Firefighters are taking advantage of the snow-free conditions and will be burning areas of dry grass in and around many communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area over the next several weeks. Burning helps to remove the dangerous build-up of dry grass that becomes prominent around many communities in the spring. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Go back and check you winter burns
If you have conducted brush pile or windrow burning this winter, go back and make sure it's out. A fire left smouldering can burn under the snow all winter long and re-emerge as a wildfire in the spring when conditions are dry and windy.
To check your winter burn, use a metal rod to probe the ash pile. If the metal rod is hot to the touch, your fire is still burning. To extinguish the ash pile soak it with water and stir it up. A fire is not extinguished until the ashes are cool to the touch.
Report all your winter burn locations to Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Technologist Russell Murphy by calling 780-849-7457.
Fire permits are required
Fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire does not require a fire permit.To request a free fire permit contact your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office.
Slave Lake/Red Earth/Trout/Peerless/Loon 780-849-7377
Wabasca 780-891-3860
High Prairie 780-523-6619
Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside 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.
New wildfire status map
A new wildfire status map of Alberta is now available. The new map system allows the user to customize the layers and provides detailed wildfire information such as wildfire status, wildfire number, size and cause.
Click here to try out the new wildfire status map.
Keep up to date on the wildfire situation by subscribing to the Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire update or download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.
Shawna Lund
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-805-4754
Email: shawna.lund@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)