Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update - Issued June 9th at 1:00 pm

Wildfire Danger

Due to the rain last night, the wildfire danger has been reduced to MODERATE for the majority of the Slave Lake Forest Area .

A very high wildfire danger persists for areas around Wabasca north to Chipewyan Lakes.

IIn areas that did not receive rain, conditions remain dry and a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the forest and grassy areas.

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

The Fire Advisory in the Slave Lake Forest Area has been lifted. New fire permits will be issued and suspended valid fire permits will be re-activated by email.

Wildfire Situation

There were no new wildfires last night. Today, there is a chance of holdover wildfires from the lightning that occurred. Fire lookouts are on high alert watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

SWF035 located 30 kilometres west of Chipewyan Lakes is being held at 262.50 hectares. Being held means the wildfire is not expected to grow past predetermined boundaries based on the current weather and firefighting efforts being applied. There are 45 firefighters with four helicopters working on this wildfire.

To view the wildfire on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit Wildfire Status | AAF - Agriculture and Forestry (alberta.ca).

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 38 wildfires which have burned 431.47 hectares.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 410 wildfires which burned a total of 12.559.81 hectares.

Weather

For today, the forecast is calling for temperatures of 22-23 degrees and winds from the south/southwest 15 - 20 kilometres per hour. There is a chance of thunderstorms with lightning for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area.

FIREPERMIT

Fire Permits

From March 1st to October 31st, a fire permit is required for any type of outdoor burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta with the exception of a campfire for cooking or warming. Fire permits help ensure that when smoke or fire is reported, firefighters can determine whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn.

Albertans living or recreating in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.

Fire permits can also still be requested over the phone by calling your local forest area office.

Red Earth/Slave Lake (780) 849-7377

High Prairie (780) 523-6619

Wabasca (780) 891-3860

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Prevent Wildfires

The majority of wildfires so far this season have been human caused. Human caused wildfires are preventable. When working or recreating in the outdoors please do your part to prevent wildfires.

When riding your off-highway vehicle stop frequently to remove any build-up of debris from your machine. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can begin to smoulder and drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire.

When having a campfire, keep it small, safe and always attended. When you are leaving your site or headed to bed, your campfire must be extinguished. Soak it, stir up the ashes, soak it again to ensure it is out.

Wildfire Dashboard

*New* Wildfire Dashboard

The new wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.

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Wildfire Information

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.

Subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email when new information is posted.

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