Today's Wildfire Hazard
Lack of rain and warm windy conditions keeps the wildfire hazard VERY HIGH for the Slave Lake Wildire Management Area. The winds will be very strong and gusty today. Use extreme caution while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). The forests are dry and a fire will spread very quickly under windy conditions.
Weather Forecast
For today the forecast is calling for cooler temperatures (mid to high teens), chance of thundershowers with lightning and winds from the northwest 25 gusting up to 50 kilometers per hour.
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area wildfire situation as of 10:30 am June 12th
Lightning sparked four new wildfires last night. Thanks to hard work of firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment three of the wildfires are being held and one has been extinguished. The combined area burned was just over 17 hectares. At this time, there are 59 firefighters, six helicopters and heavy equipment working to contain these wildfires.
Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 105 wildfires and 1,202 hectares burned.
Firefighters with helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers are stationed throughout the area ready to fight any new wildfires that may start. We also have our personnel in the fire towers on high alert constantly watching for smoke.
Alberta Wildfire Update as of 10:00 am June 12th
In the last 24 hours there have been 21 new wildfires. Alberta currently has 41 wildfires. Two are out of control, 11 are being held, 26 are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party.Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 872 wildfires that have burned a total of 90,754.08 hectares. For more information on the wildfires burning in Alberta visit the wildfire status map at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App.
As of 4:00 pm Thursday June 11th, the Fire Restriction for the east portion of the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area has been lifted.
A FIRE ADVISORY does remain in effect for the entire Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds, backyards, backcountry and random camp areas.
Fire permits remain suspended and no new fire permits will be issued. Exceptions are burn barrels, smokehouses, smudges and sweatlodges - these are allowed -valid fire permit is required. Call your local office to request a fire permit. 310-0000.
Check albertafirebans.ca for detailed information and to view a map of the fire advisory locations.
Soak it, Stir it up and Soak it Again.
While enjoying your campfire this weekend please make sure your campfire is out. Soak it thoroughly, stir it up and then soak it thoroughly again until when holding your hand ABOVE the fire (never touch coals), you no longer feel heat. Click here to learn how you can prevent wildfires.
