The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is VERY HIGH. 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.
Smoke
This evening as the temperature cools, smoke will settle close to the ground within the Slave Lake Forest 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
For Wednesday the forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and winds out of the northeast 20 kilometres per hour. Some rain is expected for areas south of Lesser Slave Lake.
Wildfire Situation Update 10:00 am May 30th
Photo of Old Smith Highway wildfire at 6:03 pm May 29th
Yesterday firefighters, helicopters and airtankers fought a wildfire at kilometre 50 on the Old Smith Highway. It is on the west side of the Athabasca River about 6.8 kilometres northwest of Smith. Airtankers were able to stop it from spreading. After the smoke cleared the wildfire was accurately measured and it is 2.7 hectares. It is being held and 17 firefighters with a helicopter are fighting this wildfire. There is no threat to communities at this time.
SWF-053 May 29, 2018 @ 12:00 pm Airtankers were used this morning to soak the north end of the wildfire. This photo was taken after the airtankers completed their mission.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 53 is located approximately 17 kilometers southwest of Loon Lake , and 28 kilometers east of Little Buffalo, on highway 986. At 4 :00 pm today firefighters declared this wildfire being held. Being held means that the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries, under the current weather conditions and firefighting efforts. The wildfire was accurately measure and is 76 hectares in size. Airtankers were used on the north end of the wildfire this morning to support heavy equipment in building fire guard. Heavy equipment has built a fire guard around the entire wildfire. Firefighters are working to extinguish smouldering ground fires along the edges of the wildfire. Currently there are two heavy equipment groups, three helicopters, and 46 firefighters fighting this wildfire. There is no immediate threat to any of the surrounding communities at this time. Smoke may drift across highway 986. Before travelling on this highway visit www.551.alberta.ca for the latest information on the road conditions.
Lac La Biche Widlfire 119
Wildfire LWF-119 is a part of the Rock Island Lake Complex and it has grown to approximately 4700 hectares. It is actively burning to the west of McMillan Lake on the east side of the Athabasca River. There are no communities at risk at this time. Smoke from the wildfire may be visible from Highway 63, Sandy Lake and Calling Lake. Airtankers and helicopters with buckets are working to control the fire. Visit the Lac La Biche Wildfire Update for information.
To view the locations of wildfires in Alberta visit www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
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.
