Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Area Wildfire Update - July 10th

Posted on Mon, Jul 10, 2017

 

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Smoke in the air

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia has drifted into the Slave Lake Forest Area. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Find out the latest smoke update by visiting www.firesmoke.ca

 

Wildfire Hazard 

The wildfire hazard has climbed to VERY HIGH for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake. Areas south of Lesser Slave Lake are LOW to MODERATE.

 

Last night's thunderstorm did provide rain however, the amount of rain varied from very light to heavy. Areas that received very little to no rain remain dry and there is a good chance we may see holdover wildfires today from the lightning. Use caution when working or recreating in the forest and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

 

Wildfire Situation as of July 10th at 12:30 pm

There have been no new wildfires since yesterday afternoon. 

Since March 1st, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 68 wildfires, burning a total area of 652.91 hectares. 

For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here.

 

Firefighters on HIGH Alert

In response to the VERY 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.  

Help keep our firefighters free to fight lightning caused wildfires by doing your part to prevent human caused 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. 

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Weather

For today temperatures will be in the low twenties and winds will be from the west/northwest 15 kilometres per hour. There is a small chance we may see thundershowers today. 

 

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

A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cool to the touch.
 
 
Wildfire Information 
 
Be sure to check www.albertafirebans.ca for the latest fire ban information in the province.
 
Click here to follow the Alberta Wildfire Blog.
 
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Connect with Alberta Wildfire on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.  
 
Get the most up-to-date wildfire information by downloading the free Alberta Wildfire app for Android or Apple devices.

 

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on July 11th , 2017.

 

Leah Lovequist - Wildfire Information Officer

Mobile: 780-849-0945

Email: Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)