The rain last night and cooler temperatures today have brought relief to the wildfire danger in areas north of Lesser Slave Lake.
The wildfire danger is LOW for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake. Areas south of Lesser Slave Lake remain HIGH to VERY HIGH.
Strong gusty winds are expected again today. Fire Permit holders must postpone any burning as the winds will exceed the conditions on the fire permit.
Areas that did not receive any rain remain dry. 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.
Update 4:30 pm June 26
Photo Slave Lake Wildfire 104 located 19 kilometres east of Marten Beach.
At this time, airtankers are fighting a wildfire located approximately 19 kilometres east of Marten Beach. The wildfire is spreading to the east. The community of Marten Beach is not being threatened. It is approximately 1 hectare in size.
Photo of Slave Lake Wildfire 102 located approximately 4 kilometres south of Bayer Road at 4:30 pm
At this time, firefighters with helicopters and airtankers are fighting a holdover lightning wildfire approximately 4 kilometres south of Bayer Road. It is three hectares in size and is just burning on the surface not spreading. The community is not being threatened. If you have questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
Wildfire Situation 10:00 am June 26th
There are seven active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. One is out of control, three are being held and three are under control.
Photo of Slave Lake Wildfire Number 94 at 9:30 am June 26th
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 94 located 23 kilometers east of the community of Chipewyan Lake is classified as burning out of control. The strong southeast wind yesterday caused significant growth on the north side of the wildfire. It was accurately measured this morning and is 6200 hectares in size. The wildfire did receive 18 millimetres of rain last night and the wildfire behavior has been decreased to smouldering ground fire.Today firefighters and helicopters bucketing will be working to extinguish ground fires along the edges of the wildfire. There are 48 firefighters with six helicopters are fighting this wildfire.The wildfire is not threatening the community of Chipewyan Lakes.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 88 is located on the border of the Slave Lake Forest Area and High Level Forest Area, approximately 26 kilometres north of Loon Airtanker Base. It did experience growth yesterday afternoon due to the strong southeast winds and is now 107 hectares in size. After the rain last night the wildfire status was changed to being held. Being held means the wildfire is not expected to grow based on the current weather conditions and firefighting efforts being applied. There are 25 firefighters and one helicopter fighting this wildfire.
There were no new wildfires in the past 24 hours. Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 103 wildfires which have burned 6,522.54 hectares.
To view the locations of wildfires in Alberta visit www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
Weather
The forecast for today is calling for temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius and winds from the west 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 60. There is a chance of rain today and widespread rain is forecasted for Wednesday.
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.
