The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to HIGH. Under these hot and dry conditions, a wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Extremely warm temperatures and thunderstorms with lightning are expected this afternoon. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are on alert ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
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. Never leave a burning campfire unattended and when you leave make sure your campfire is out. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cold to the touch.
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 30th, 2018. If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Wildfire Update 11:30 am July 29th
There were no new wildfires yesterday. Firefighters and aircraft have made good progress on the wildfires that were sparked by lightning on Friday. As of this morning, three are being held and nine have been extinguished.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 117 located 37 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek is being held. The wildfire is 58 hectares in size.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 118 located 33 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek is being held. The wildfire is 3.5 hectares in size.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 125 located 15 kilometres south east of Talbot Lake is being held. The wildfire is 17.7 hectares in size.
Being held means theses wildfires are not expected to grow based on the current weather and firefighting efforts being applied. This morning, firefighters reported that there was no open flame and very limited smoke. Today firefighters will focus on extinguishing smouldering ground fires along the edges of these wildfires.
Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 130 wildfires which have burned 6,614.29 hectares.
To view the locations of wildfires in Alberta visit www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
Click here to view the daily wildfire report for Alberta.
Smoke in the air
Smoke from wildfires burning in the Yukon, Alaska and potentially as far away as Russia continues to drift 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. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.
Weather
For today the weather forecast is calling for temperatures of 27 to 29 and winds from the northwest/southwest 10 kilometres per hour. There is a risk of thunderstorms with lightning this afternoon. Strong gusty winds are expected during the thunderstorms.
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.
