Due to continued hot and dry conditions in northwest parts of Alberta, a Fire Restriction will be in effect for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area as of 12:00 pm May 21, 2015.
- Safe campfires are allowed in fire rings in campgrounds only.
- Gas or propane stoves/barbecues and portable propane fire pits are allowed.
- No campfires (or other open fires) or charcoal briquettes are allowed in backcountry or random camping areas.
- Fire permits have been suspended, and no new permits will be issued.
Click here for Online Bulletin:Fire restrictions in place for much of northwest Alberta.
For details, visit albertafirebans.ca or call 1-866-FYI-FIRE.
Wildfire Hazard
Warm and dry weather keeps wildfire hazard VERY HIGH to EXTREME for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
Click here to view wildfire hazard map for May 21.
Dry conditions continue to linger in the forest, causing the grass and other surface fuels to remain extremely flammable. Under windy conditions a fire will spread rapidly through these flammable fuels. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Weather Forecast
For Thursday May 21st, the forecast is calling for very warm temperatures in high twenties and light winds from the SE 10 to 15 kilometers per hour.
Wildfire Situation as of May 21 10:00 am
There were no new wildfires overnight.
Since April 1st, there have been 58 wildfire in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area and just over 661 hectares burned.
Currently in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area, 92 firefighters, 18 helicopters, eight heavy equipment groups, two airtanker groups have been stationed strategically throughout the area and are ready to battle any new wildfires that may start. We also have firefighters in helicopters doing aerial patrols and all 20 of our lookout tower observers are continually watching for smoke.
Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 574 wildfires that have burned a total of 2285.39 hectares.
Update on Slave Lake Wildfire number 55 as of 6:00 pm May 20.
Photo: Slave Lake Wildfire number 55 at 9:00am May 20
Firefighters,helicopters and heavy equipment continue to make good progress on containing the wildfire located approximately 125 kilometers north of Slave Lake. The wildfire did not experience any growth today, the estimated size remains at 338 hectares. Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment are working to extinguish vigorous surface fires and secure the dozer guard which surrounds the entire wildfire. Highway 88 is open at this time and the wildfire is not threatening homes or communities. Currently, there are over 60 firefighters assigned to this wildfire and 32 more enroute.