The rain last night has brought relief to the wildfire danger in the northern areas of the Slave Lake Forest Area. Areas around Lesser Slave Lake did not receive rain and conditions do remain dry. Continue to use caution in the forested areas and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
The forecast is calling for widespread moderate to heavy rain over the next coming days thus the wildfire danger will continue to decrease.
Fire permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire for cooking or warming does not require a fire permit. Fire permit holders must follow the conditions on the fire permit.
For up to date information on the wildfire situation subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update and download the free Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on July 20th, 2018. If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Wildfire Update 12:00 pm July 19th
Firefighters with helicopters and airtankers fought 10 new wildfires last night. Of the 10 wildfires, six are being held, two are under control and two were extinguished. The wildfires range in size from 0.01 to 1.5 hectares. Firefighters with helicopters are working to contain and extinguish these wildfires.
Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 117 wildfires which have burned 6,534.14 hectares.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 94 located 23 kilometres east of Chipewyan Lake is being held. Being held means the wildfire is not expected to grow based on the current weather and the firefighting efforts being applied. An aerial infrared scan was conducted on this wildfire and firefighters have extinguished the smouldering ground fires.
To view the locations of wildfires in Alberta visit www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
Click here to view the daily wildfire report for Alberta.
Weather
For today temperatures will be around 22 degrees and winds will be from the east/northeast 15 to 20 kilometres per hour. There is a risk of thundershowers with lightning this afternoon. Widespread moderate to heavy rain is expected Friday and Saturday.
Fire Bans
Currently there are no fire bans/restrictions or advisories in the Slave Lake Forest Area. For up to date information on Fire bans in Alberta visit www.albertafirebans.ca or download the free Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android devices.
Fire permits
Fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire for cooking or warming 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.
Prevent Wildfires
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.
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
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.
