Recent rain has brought relief to the wildfire danger. The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is MODERATE.
Fire permit holders must postpone burning as the strong and gusty winds expected today will exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.
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 August 3rd, 2018. If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Photo Slave Lake Wildfire 129 south of Fawcette Lake July 29 at 6:05 pm. This wildfire is being held and firefighters are working to extinguish it.
Wildfire Update 11:30 am July 30th
Lightning sparked two new wildfires south of Fawcette Lake last night. Airtankers and firefighters with helicopters were able to quickly contain their spread. One has been extinguished and one is being held.
Progress continues on the wildfires north of Red Earth and east of Talbot Lake. All three of these wildfires are under control. Firefighters continue to patrol these wildfires for smouldering ground fires.
Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 132 wildfires which have burned 6,615.2 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 cooler temperatures of 20 to 22 and winds from the northwest 25 gusting up to 45 kilometres per hour. There is a risk of thunderstorms with lightning this afternoon. Strong gusty winds are expected during the thunderstorms. Low to Moderate amounts of rain are expected.
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.
