The rain showers last night were very isolated. Click here to view the rainfall map.
The wildfire danger remains HIGH to VERY HIGH for areas that did not receive rain and is MODERATE for areas that did receive rain.
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).
The fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction remain in effect at this time. An update on the situation will be provided as soon as conditions are determined to be improved.
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
For today the forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and winds out of the southeast 15-20 kilometres per hour. There is a good chance of showers again today.
Wildfire Situation Update 9:00 am May 31st
Photo of Old Smith Highway wildfire at 11:30 am May 30th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 54 is located 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. The cause is under investigation.
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 on May 29th 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. Heavy equipment has built a fire guard around the entire wildfire. Helicopters with buckets and 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.
May 30th Update Lac La Biche Wildfire Number 119 – OC at approx. 5300 ha – 42 per cent contained
The wildfire started May 23, 2018, and remains approximately 12 km east of LWF-099, along the Athabasca River. The wildfire is west of McMillan Lake. No communities are at risk. Today, firefighters will focus on the north perimeter, looking for smouldering ground fires, while six helicopters bucket on the south perimeter. Airtankers are also working on this wildfire. For up to date information on wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area check the Lac La Biche Wildfire Update.
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 31st, 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.