Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire Hazard

The fire hazard has escalated to EXTREME with the persistent warm temperatures and strong, gusty winds for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. 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. It is extremely important that extra caution be taken while recreating this long weekend.  Do not leave campfires unattended and be sure your fire is properly extinguished before you leave, and check your ATV for debris regularily.  Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Currently in the Slave Lake wildfire management area, 68 firefighters, 13 helicopters, 4 heavy equipment groups, 1 airtanker and a birddog, and 4 water-bombers 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.

Due to the extremely dry conditions and dry surface fuels, and the EXTREME fire risk, the Slave Lake Wildfire Management area has issued a fire advisory EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, for the Slave Lake forest protection area.  All current existing fire permits have been suspended and no new permits will be issued until conditions allow.  Currently, safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and back country or random camping areas.  Please be sure to use extreme caution when having a campfire.  Do not leave any campfires unattended, and ensure your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished by soaking, stirring, and soaking your fire again.  The fire advisory will remain effective until the fire hazard conditions improve.  For local and provincial fire ban/advisory information, please check Albertafirebans.ca.

Weather Forecast

For Friday May 15th, the temperatures will be around 20 degrees, but the forecast is calling for a cold front to move into the area from the north late in the morning, giving a risk of rain showers and thundershowers.  South west winds of 15-25 km/hr gusting 30-40 km/hr ahead of the cold front will shift to NW-NE winds 25-35 km/hr gusting 45-50 km/hr in its wake. Temperatures are expected to be cooler once the front has moved in. 

Wildfire Report as of May 14th at 4:30 pm

In the last 24 hours, there have been no new wildfires.  

Since April 1, the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area has recorded 47 wildfires which have burned 313.96 hectares. 46 have been extinguished and 1 is under control.

From March 1 to October 31, Albertans in the forested areas need to get a FIRE PERMIT for any burning, excluding campfires. To request your free fire permit call your local Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Office.

Slave Lake/Red Earth 780.849.7377

High Prairie 780.523.6619

Wabasca 780.891.3890

Due to the fire advisory, all existing permits have been suspended, and no new permits will be issued until the advisory is lifted.

May long weekend: what to know before you go