Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to HIGH. Areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily and a fire will spread quickly with the wind forecasted for today. Use caution when recreating or working in areas of dry grass. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Firefighters on alert
In response to the HIGH wildfire danger, the fire towers are constantly watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters are stationed throughout the area ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
At 11:00 am this morning an airtanker and it's birddog plane arrived at the Airtanker Base in Slave Lake. They are also on alert ready to respond.
Weather
Today the temperature is forecasted to reach the mid twenties and winds will be 15 to 25 kilometres per hour from the west/southwest.
Photo: Slave Lake Wildfire number 5 Peerless Lake
Wildfire Situation as of 11:30 am Saturday April 28
This wildfire was spotted yesterday afternoon by our firefighters. The wildfire is on Peerless Lake and is estimated to be 0.3 hectares. There are eight firefighters and a helicopter working to extinguish this wildfire. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation as no lightning has been detected this spring. Although there is still snow on the ground the conditions in the forest are dry and a wildfire can spread.
Since March 1, 2018,the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded seven wildfires that have burned a total of 2.22 hectares.
Firefighters postpone burning grass
Due to dry conditions and very warm weather, firefighters will not be conducting prescribed grass fires today (Saturday).
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.
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)