NOTE: Due to a server issue, the status map on the Alberta Wildfire App is not updating. Please use the wildfire status map on the Alberta Wildfire webpage for current locations. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working to resolve the issue.
The wildfire danger for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake has climbed to HIGH. Areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake are MODERATE.
The recent rain has been scattered and areas to the north have received very little to no rain. Conditions have become dry in the northern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area. A wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly with the strong gusty winds expected today. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
There is a risk of thunderstorms with lightning today and tomorrow. Firefighters, helicopters and airtankers are on high alert ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
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.
Due to a server issue, the map on the Alberta Wildfire App will be unable to update for the foreseeable future. Until we are able to find a solution , please use http://wildfire.alberta.ca/wildfire-status/status-map.aspx for the most current map information.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on August 7th, 2018. If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 145 wildfires which have burned 6,706.06 hectares.
To view a map of wildfires in Alberta, please 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 a temperature of 26 and winds from the northwest/west 20 gusting up to 40 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 scattered rain are expected.
Thunderstorms are forecasted for Saturday. Warm and sunny weather is expected for Sunday and Monday.
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 permit holders must postpone burning as the strong and gusty winds expected today will exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.
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.
