Slave Lake Area Update

Highway 754 is now open. Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow.

Posted on Wed, Jul 15, 2015

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Highway 754 is now open thanks to the collaborative efforts of all personnel involved in fighting this wildfire.  Wildfire operations will continue along highway 754.  For the safety of our firefighting personnel please slow down and follow the posted speed limit. 

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Wildfire update as of 8:00 pm July 15, 2015

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Slave Lake Wildfire number 214 which is located between Graham Lake and Vandersteene Lake is currently out of control at 150 hectares.  This fire is not threatening the community.  Two heavy equipment groups are currently working on building a guard.  Firefighters worked on laying hose around the fire perimeter and airtankers and helicopters worked on dousing hotspots.   

SWF214Photo of SWF-214 from July 15 at 7:25 pm

Slave Lake Wildfire number 217 is located 17 kilometres west of Chipewyan Lakes, and is currently out of control at 19 hectares.  This fire is not threatening the community.  Today, firefighters, airtankers and a helicopter with a bucket worked on putting out hotspots on this fire. 

SWF217Photo of SWF-217 at 3:40 pm July 15

Slave Lake Wildfire number 175 was a holdover lightning wildfire which was discovered on July 1st and is located 36 kilometers northeast of Peerless Lake and 33 kilometres west of Chipewyan Lakes.  This fire is currently out of control at 8500 hectares.This afternoon this wildfire is experiencing growth at the northeast end. The community of Chipewyan Lakes is not being threatened. Firefighters in helicopters are constantly monitoring this wildfire. 

Slave Lake Wildfire number 211 is currently out of control at 100 hectares.  This fire is located approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Red Earth Creek. Dozers worked on building a guard around this fire today.

Slave Lake Wildfire number 163 which is located at approximately kilometer 25 on highway 754, 26 kilometers northeast of Marten Beach is currently out of control at 9,410 hectares.  This fire experienced minimal growth today.  The south end of this fire has been contained.  Dozers have completed the guard around the south and east side of this wildfire.  Tomorrow, crews will continue to secure the perimter on the flanks heading north.  

Slave Lake Wildfire number 207 located 46 kilometres northwest of Peerless Lake was discovered late yesterday afternoon.  Dozers have completed a guard around the wildfire and today firefighters and helicopters worked to contain this wildfire. It is being held at an estimated 18 hectares.

Slave Lake Wildfire number 140 was caused by lightning on June 30th and is located 60 kilometers north of Red Earth Creek.  This fire is currently out of control. Helicopters with buckets have been working on this fire, and it is being constantly monitored by air.  This wildfire has burned 1916 hectares. 

Wildfire Hazard

For tomorrow, the fire weather index map is showing a low hazard for the district, however the hazard will remain VERY HIGH for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area until precipitation has been received.

Weather Forecast

The forecast for tomorrow is calling for cooler temperatures, a slight chance of thundershowers and rainshowers and winds will be from the northwest 25 gusting to 50 kilometres per hours. With thunderstorms comes an increased risk of lightning caused wildfires.  Please report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE(3473). Even though there has been some rain, the ground and trees are still dry.  

Local Smoke

Smoke from wildfires burning across western Canada is forecasted to continue to impact Albertans. There are over 100 wildfires burning in the province. No communities are threatened. Anyone with smoke-related health concerns is encouraged to call Alberta Health Link at 8-1-1. Track smoke forecasts here: http://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/BSC00WC04/current/

 

Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 221 wildfires that have burned a total of 21,610.4  hectares.Communities are not being threatened.

 
For information on the wildfires burning in Alberta visit the Wildfire Status Map at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App.

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A FIRE ADVISORY for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area is in effect as of 10:00 am July 2. Existing permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued. Exceptions are burn barrels, smudges, sweat lodges and smokehouses.These will be allowed. A valid permit is required and conditions must be followed. Safe campfires are allowed in backyards, campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas.

Fire works in the Forest Protection Area are not allowed at this time. 

Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up to date information on the fire advisory.

wildfire_info

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 16th.

Shawna Lund - Wildfire Information Officer

Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area 
Office: 780.849.7412
Mobile: 780.849.0945 
Shawna.lund@gov.ab.ca 
To report wildfires call 310-FIRE

For information about wildfires in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ABGovWildfire or Facebook. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.