Wildfire Hazard
HIGH wildfire hazard continues for the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Click here to view the wildfire hazard map.
The forest is very dry and the forecast is calling for thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty winds tonight and Saturday. Under these conditions a wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Help keep our firefighters free to fight lightning caused wildfires by doing your part to prevent wildfires. Make sure your campfire is out and when riding your off -highway vehicle stop frequently to remove the build up of debris around your machine's hotspots.
Fire permit holders are advised to postpone burning tonight and Saturday as the strong and gusty winds expected with the thunderstorms will exceed the safe burning conditions on your fire permit.
Firefighters on HIGH Alert
In response to the HIGH wildfire hazard and increased chance of wildfires caused by lightning, the fire towers are constantly watching for smoke, firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and various pieces of heavy equipment are stationed throughout the area ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
Weather
The forecast is calling for thunderstorms with lightning this evening. Winds are expected to become strong and gusty during these storms.
For Saturday temperatures will be slightly cooler and winds will be light. There is a chance we will see some thundershowers with lightning and winds are expected to become very strong and gusty during these storms.
Wildfire Situation
Thanks to the hard work of our firefighters our three active wildfires have been 100 per cent contained. Slave Lake Wildfire Number 49, 51 and 52 are under control. The infrared scan revealed only three smouldering ground fires which firefighters are working to extinguish.
There was one new wildfires last night. The small grass fire was quickly extinguished by the local fire department. Since March 1st, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 65 wildfires, burning a total area of 652.79 hectares.
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
Did you know? 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 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.
Make Sure It's Out
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on July 8th , 2017.
Leah Lovequist - Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)