Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is HIGH.
Today's weather forecast is calling for west winds 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 40.
The dead dry grass will ignite easily and a fire will spread very quickly with today's strong and gusty winds. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Fire Permit Holders must postpone any burning today as expected winds will exceed the conditions on your fire permit.
If you are having a campfire, keep it small, never leave it unattended and make sure it's out.
When riding your off-highway vehicle stop frequently to clear the debris from your machine's hotspots.
Firefighters on alert
In response to the HIGH wildfire danger, the fire towers are constantly watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters and an airtanker are on alert ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
Weather
Today's forecast is calling for temperatures of 15-16 degrees Celcius and winds from the west 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 40.
Wildfire Situation as of 1:00 pm May 2nd
There were two new wildfires last night, both were small and quickly extinguished by firefighters.
Since March 1, 2018, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 14 wildfires that have burned a total of 4.19 hectares.
Firefighters burning grass
Over the next several weeks, firefighters will be burning areas of dry grass in and around many communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning removes 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.
For locations of grass burning check the Slave Lake Forest Area update on the Alberta Wildfire App or click here. Information will be added frequently.
Today firefighters will be burning grass in the communities of High Prairie at the waste transfer station south of Tolko Mill, Sucker Creek, Loon Lake and Sandy Lake.
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.
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.
If you happened to be looking into the sky over Slave Lake last week, your eyes may have taken in an unfamiliar sight. Click here for the full story and video.
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)