Slave Lake Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is Very High for today.  Strong and gusty winds are expected.

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.

The smoke which has drifted into the Slave Lake Forest Area is from wildfires burning in the Lac La Biche area. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.

Weather

Today the forecast is calling for a high of 15 degrees Celsius with winds out of the northwest 25 gusting 40 switching to a northeast wind 20 kilometers per hour later in the day.

Wildfire Situation Update 11:00 am May 29th

SWF-053 is currently out of control at 81 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.  Through the night, two equipment groups were able to build a guard around 90% of the fire.  There are currently two equipment groups, 2 airtanker groups, 3 helicopters, and 46 firefighters working on this fire.  

SWF-053 May 29, 2018 @ 11

Since March 1, 2018, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 53 wildfires that have burned a total of 142.66 hectares. 

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 30th, 2018.

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.