Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update August 10th

Posted on Fri, Aug 10, 2018

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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 has climbed to VERY HIGH for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Strong gusty winds and scattered thunderstorms with lightning are expected today. Under these conditions a wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Firefighters, helicopters and airtankers are on alert, ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.  

Fire permit holders must postpone burning today as the winds 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.

Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

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 11th, 2018. If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.


Wildfire Update August 10th 10:00 am 
 
There were no new wildfires yesterday.
 
Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing five wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. All five wildfires are under control.
 
Slave Lake Wildfire number 145 located 9 kilometres south of Chipewyan Lakes has been deemed under control. The wildfire was caused by lightning on August 5th and is 27 hectares in size. There are 20 firefighters and one helicopter working to extinguish ground fires on this wildfire.
 
Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 148 wildfires which have burned 6,739.96 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 British Columbia has drifted 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 temperatures will be 24 to 26 and winds will be from the southwest/northwest 20 gusting up to 45 kilometres per hour. A cold front will be moving into the area. Strong gusty winds and scattered thundershowers with lightning are expected this afternoon.


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.

310-FIRE-knocked-out - white and black


Wildfire updates are sent out weekly when the wildfire danger is LOW to MODERATE and daily when HIGH to EXTREME.
 
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on August 11th, 2018.
 
If you have any questions please contact

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.

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