Wildfire danger
With very warm temperatures expected for the weekend, the wildfire danger in areas of dead dry grass from Slave Lake to High Prairie will be HIGH. Areas north of Lesser Slave Lake will remain MODERATE.
Warm temperatures and wind have caused the snow to melt exposing large areas of dead dry grass. These areas of dead grass will ignite easily and fire will spread very quickly. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring
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 smouldering and fall to the ground as you drive away. You can help prevent a wildfire by stopping frequently to remove any build-up of debris from the hot spots on your machine.
Make sure it's out. A campfire left smoldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cool to the touch.
Wildfire Situation
Since March 1, 2018,the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded three wildfires that have burned a total of 0.12 hectares.Since March 1, 2018, Alberta has recorded 26 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area that have burned a total of 2.27 hectares.
Firefighters burning grass
April 26
Firefighters will be burning grass in the communities of Wabasca, Red Earth and Grouard on Thursday afternoon.
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 in the spring. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
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.
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.
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)