The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is Very High for today for the entire area. Strong and gusty winds are expected this afternoon and evening.
The conditions in the forest are extremely dry and a wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly.
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 or download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.
Weather
Today the forecast is calling for temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius with winds out of the south 20 changing to a west wind 30 gusting 60 kilometers per hour in the afternoon/evening hours.
Wildfire Situation Update 8:30pm May 28th
There have been 5 new wildfires in the Slave Lake forest area today.
SWF-053 is currently out of control at 50 hectares. There is no immediate threat to any of the surrounding communities at this time. This fire is located approximately 17 kilometers southwest of the Loon Lake community, and 28 kilometers east of Little Buffalo, on highway 986. It is on both the north and south side of the highway. There is one equipment group, 2 airtanker groups, 3 crews, and 4 helicopters working on this fire.
SWF-053
Of the other four fires, two are under control and two have been extinguished.
To view the locations of wildfires in Alberta visit www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
A Fire Ban is now in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area, Town of Slave Lake, Town of High Prairie and Big Lakes County.
Where is the fire ban?
- The fire ban includes ares in the northern half of the province.
What is prohibited?
- All open fires are banned, including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas. This includes charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
What is allowed?
- Portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbeques (not charcoal briquettes) designed for cooking or heating, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
How long will the fire ban be in place?
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be monitoring conditions on a daily basis and will amend the fire ban as appropriate.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on May 29th, 2018.
Shawna Lund
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-805-4754
Email: shawna.lund@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.