Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is VERY HIGH. Dead dry grass will ignite easily and a wildfire will spread very quickly under the strong winds today.
For today, the winds will be from the southeast 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 40. The strong winds are expected to continue into the evening.
Fire Permit holders must postpone any burning today as the winds will exceed the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
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 response 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 14 - 15 degrees Celcius with winds from the southeast 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 40.
Wildfire Situation as of 10:00 am May 9th
There were no new wildfires yesterday.
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)
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 Wildfire Area update on the Alberta Wildfire App or click here. Check frequently as new information will be added.
Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire
During the 2018 wildfire season, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry may be conducting one or more prescribed fires approximately 12.5 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake.
The exact location of the prescribed fire area is directly north of Kilometre 123 on the C-Road.
The prescribed fires will vary in size from 1 to 5 hectares and burning will take place when forecasted weather and on-the-ground conditions allow for a safe, controlled burn.
Smoke may be visible at times but will be localized and short lived. Public roads and highways are expected to remain open; however, traffic may be controlled. Watch for Prescribed Fire in Progress and Smoke signage near the area.
The purpose of these prescribed fires is to examine fire behaviour in various FireSmart treatments.
To view a bulletin and map of the Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fires click here.
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.
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.
