The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH for the majority of the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Strong gusty winds and thunderstorms with lightning are expected today. Fire Permit holders must postpone any burning as the winds will exceed the conditions on the fire permit.
A wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly under the dry and windy conditions today. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Over the past several days firefighters have been extremely busy fighting numerous lightning caused wildfires. By doing your part to prevent human caused wildfires you help keep our firefighters free to fight the current wildfires and new wildfire starts.
For up to date information on the wildfire situation subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update and download the free Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android devices.
Wildfire Situation 11:30 am June 25th
There are 11 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. One is out of control, two are being held, seven are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party to be extinguished.
Photo of Slave Lake Wildfire Number 94 at 11:40 am June 25th
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 94 located 23 kilometers east of the community of Chipewyan Lake is classified as burning out of control. It is approximately 1,795 hectares in size. There are 53 firefighters with eight helicopters, four water skimming airtankers and one birddog plane fighting this wildfire. The wildfire is not threatening the community of Chipewyan Lakes.
Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 105 wildfires which have burned 2,019.34 hectares.
To view the locations of wildfires in Alberta visit www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
Smoke
Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia and Northern Alberta has drifted into 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
The forecast for today is calling for temperatures of 22 to 27 degrees Celsius and winds from the southeast 25 kilometres per hour switching to southwest 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 60. Thunderstorms with lightning are expected late this afternoon.
Fire permits
Fire permits are required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire does not require a fire permit.To request a free fire permit contact your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office.
Slave Lake/Red Earth/Trout/Peerless/Loon 780-849-7377
Wabasca 780-891-3860
High Prairie 780-523-6619
Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a fire permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.
Prevent Wildfires
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.
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.
