Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake is VERY HIGH. For areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake the wildfire danger has climbed to MODERATE and HIGH.
The wildfire danger will continue to climb due to the very warm weather expected over the long weekend.
Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473). The dead dry grass will ignite easily and a fire will spread very quickly under windy conditions.
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.
The Fire Advisory remains in effect. Fire permits are cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. Safe campfires are allowed.
Before heading out to enjoy the long weekend be sure to visit albertafirebans.ca or download the new Alberta Fire Bans app for latest fire ban information across the province.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT FOR SLAVE LAKE FOREST AREA
A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Slave Lake Forest Area due to dry and windy conditions.
All current fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.
What is allowed
- Safe wood campfires in backyards, campgrounds (within fire rings) or random camping areas
- Traditional burning such as smudges, sweathouses, and smokehouses
- Charcoal briquettes
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle and remove debris before and after use.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
For more information visit albertafirebans.ca or the new Alberta Fire Bans app for Android or Apple devices.
Alberta Fire Bans App
Download the new Alberta fire ban app, available for Android and Apple devices, to make planning your next outdoor adventure a breeze!
Features include:
- Push notification settings for specific geographic areas.
- Three distinct categories - fire bans, restrictions and advisories.
- Up-to-date data sourced directly from provincial fire authorities.
- Provides data from last time opened even without data or WiFi.
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 five airtankers are stationed in the area, ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
Weather
For today, the temperature will be 21 degrees Celsius and winds will be from the southeast 15-20 kilometres per hour.
Very warm temperatures are returning and there is no significant rain in the forecast for the next several days.
Wildfire Situation
10:30 am Thursday May 18th
There was one new wildfire yesterday. It was quickly extinguished by firefighters.
Firefighters with heavy equipment continue to fight two wildfires located at the intersection of Township Road 770 and Range Road 163, east of Winagami Lake Provincial Park. The wildfires are 4.3 hectares and 8.50 hectares in size. One is under control and the other is being held. Being held means under current weather conditions and firefighting efforts the wildfire is not expected to spread.
Since March 1, 2018, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 40 wildfires that have burned a total of 58.06 hectares.
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.
Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire
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.
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.
