Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire Hazard

The fire hazard for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area  is HIGH. Dry conditions continue to linger in the forest, causing the grass and other surface fuels to remain extremely flammable.  Under windy conditions a fire will spread rapidly through these flammable fuels. It is extremely important that extra caution be taken while recreating this long weekend.  Do not leave campfires unattended and be sure your fire is properly extinguished before you leave, and check your ATV for debris regularily.  

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Click here to view the Wildfire Hazard map for May 17, 2015.

Currently in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area, 80 firefighters, 15 helicopters, 5 heavy equipment groups, 1 airtanker and a birddog, and 4 water-bombers have been stationed strategically throughout the area and are ready to battle any new wildfires that may start.  We also have firefighters in helicopters doing aerial patrols and all 20 of our lookout tower observers are continually watching for smoke.

Due to the extremely dry conditions and dry surface fuels, and the High fire hazard, the Slave Lake Wildfire Management area has issued a fire advisory EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, for the Slave Lake forest protection area. All existing fire permits have been suspended and no new permits will be issued until conditions allow. Currently, safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and back country or random camping areas.  Please be sure to use extreme caution when having a campfire.  Do not leave any campfires unattended, and ensure your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished by soaking, stirring, and soaking your fire again.  The fire advisory will remain effective until the fire hazard conditions improve.  For local and provincial fire ban/advisory information, please check Albertafirebans.ca.

Weather Forecast

For Sunday May 17th, the forecast is calling for slightly higher temperatures and the winds will be from the southeast at 20 kilometers per hour.     

Wildfire Report as of May 16th at 4:15 pm

In the last 24 hours, there were 3 new fires.  1 fire is currently being held and has burned 0.1 hectares.  2 fires have been extinguised and burned 6.0 hectares.  

Since April 1, the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area has recorded 51 wildfires which have burned 319.53 hectares. 50 fires have been extinguished.

Fire Permits

From March 1 to October 31, Albertans in the forested areas need to get a FIRE PERMIT for any burning, excluding campfires. To request your free fire permit call your local Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Office.

Slave Lake/Red Earth 780.849.7377

High Prairie 780.523.6619

Wabasca 780.891.3890

Due to the fire advisory, all existing permits have been suspended, and no new permits will be issued until the advisory is lifted.

Going camping this long weekend?  May long weekend: what to know before you go