Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is HIGH.
The dead dry grass will ignite easily and a fire will spread very quickly. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Firefighters on alert
As the HIGH wildfire danger continues this weekend, fire towers are constantly watching for smoke. Firefighters with helicopters and an airtanker are on alert, ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
Weather
Today's forecast is calling for temperatures of 11 to 12 degrees Celcius with winds from the west/northwest at 10-15 kilometres per hour.
Wildfire Situation as of 2:00 pm May 5th
There were no new wildfires in the past 24 hours.
Since March 1, 2018, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 19 wildfires that have burned a total of 4.33 hectares.
Firefighters burning grass
Over the next several weeks, firefighters will be burning areas of dry grass in and around many communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning removes the dangerous build-up of dry grass that becomes prominent in the spring. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
For locations of grass burning check the Slave Lake Forest Area update on the Alberta Wildfire App or click here. Information will be added frequently.
Today (pending appropriate conditions) firefighters will be burning grass in the communities of Loon Lake and Whitefish.
Fire permits are required
Fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire 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.
Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring
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.
If you happened to be looking into the sky over Slave Lake last week, your eyes may have taken in an unfamiliar sight. Click here for the full story and video.
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.
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)