Cooler temperatures and rain are in forecast for today.The wildfire danger will be LOW to MODERATE for the Slave Lake Forest Area.
We are experiencing strong gusty winds today.Fire Permit holders must postpone any burning as the winds will exceed the conditions on the fire permit.
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.
There were two new wildfires yesterday caused by lightning the day before. The wildfire south of Bayer Road is being held and the wildfire 19 kilometres east of Marten Beach remains classified as burning out of control.
There are seven active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Two are out of control, three are being held and two are under control. Since March 1st, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 105 wildfires which have burned 6,534.34 hectares.
Update 8:00 am June 27th
Photo Slave Lake Wildfire 104 located 19 kilometres east of Marten Beach.
Slave Lake Wildfire 104 is located 19 kilometres East of Marten Beach. Airtankers surrounded the wildfire with retardant last night and firefighters with helicopters worked to extinguish fires on the edges of the wildfire. The wildfire is classified as out of control and has been accurately measured to be 3.4 hectares. The community of Marten Beach is not being threatened. There are nine firefighters and two helicopters assigned to this wildfire.
Photo of Slave Lake Wildfire 102 located approximately four kilometres south of Bayer Road
Slave Lake Wildfire 102 located four kilometres south of Bayer Road is being held. Being held means the wildfire is not anticipated to grow based on the current weather and firefighting efforts that have been applied. Last night airtankers doused the open flame fires which were burning on the ground and firefighters with helicopters worked to extinguish the smouldering ground fires. The wildfire was accurately measured last night and is 8.4 hectares in size. The community of Bayer Road is not being threatened. There are 19 firefighters and one helicopter assigned to this wildfire.
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. This wildfire is classified as out of control and is 6200 hectares in size. The wildfire did receive rain and the fire behaviour has been reduced to smouldering. Firefighters and helicopters bucketing worked 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. The wildfire is under control. There are 25 firefighters and one helicopter working on this wildfire.
To view the locations of wildfires in Alberta visit www.wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
Weather
The forecast for today is calling for temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius and winds from the west 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 50. Widespread rain is expected.
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.
