Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is VERY HIGH.
For today the winds will be from the north/northwest 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 50. The increase in wind speed is expected to begin before noon.
Dead dry grass will ignite easily and a wildfire will spread very quickly under the strong gusty winds expected today.
Fire Permit holders must postpone any burning today.
Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
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.
Firefighters on alert
In reponse to the VERY HIGH wildfire danger, fire towers are constantly watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters, various pieces of heavy equipment and two airtankers are stationed in the area, ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
Weather
Today's forecast is calling for temperatures between 16 - 19 degrees Celcius with winds from the north/northwest 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 50.
Wildfire Situation as of 9:00 am May 8th
There were three new wildfires on Sunday. All were quickly contained and extinguished. Each of these wildfires were human caused - burning without a fire permit, exploding firearm targets and winter burn holdover.
Since March 1, 2018, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 22 wildfires that have burned a total of 27.75 hectares. (Hectares burned increase due to accurate measurement of wildfire which occurred at the end of April)
Photo: SWF018 May 6th
Grass fire caused by exploding target
The wildfire which occurred on Sunday May 6th in the Flat Top area south of Slave Lake, was caused by an exploding target.
The use of exploding targets, tracer ammunition and fireworks is restricted in the Forest Protection Area due to the high potential of starting a wildfire. In some instances permission may be granted by a Forest Officer. For more information call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office 310-0000.
This restriction is one of the 2015 amendments to the Forest and Prairie Protection Act. The amendments will improve public safety as it relates to preventing human caused wildfires and protecting Albertans, their communities, natural resources and infrastructure from wildfire damage.
Before heading out this wildfire season review the amendments to the Forest Prairie and Protection Act by visiting fppa.alberta.ca
Firefighters burning grass
Firefighters will not be burning grass today.
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. Check frequently as new information will be added.
Fire permits are required
Fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire does not required 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.
A campfire does not require a fire permit however there are guidelines/bylaws for constructing a safe campfire. Check with your town, municipality or county. If you are in the Forest Protection Area click here for guidelines on constructing a safe campfire.
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.
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)