Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- April 15, 2024

Posted on Mon, Apr 15, 2024

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Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area will be high for today. Rain and snow are in the forecast; however, until it is on the ground the wildfire risk persists.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors, as areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily and under the windy conditions, a fire will spread rapidly.

Fire Lookouts are on high alert, watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start. 

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

Weather

Today's forecast is calling for a high of 8-9 degrees and winds will be from the west/northeast gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour. 

All valid fire permit holders must postpone burning, as the winds expected will exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.

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FireAdvisory
A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to warm and windy weather.
 
Under this advisory:
  • Existing fire permits are valid: however permit holders must postpone burning, as the expected winds will exceed the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
  • New fire permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning such as machine-piled brush piles and windrows.
  • New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.
Prohibited:
  • Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca

Current wildfire situation
 
SWF021 which was detected on April 14th and is located approximately eight kilometres southeast of Kinuso. The local fire department, wildland firefighters with helicopters and an airtanker responded. Firefighting efforts slowed the spread and the wildfire was deemed under control on April 14 at 9:00 pm. The wildfire was accurately measured and is 16.1 hectares and the cause is under investigation. Firefighters will continue to patrol for hotspots.
 
SWF020 which was detected on April 13 is located approximately 27 kilometres southwest of Chisholm. The wildfire is classified as under control at 0.3 hectares.  Firefighters with a helicopter continue to work on the wildfire. The cause of SWF020 is under investigation.
 
Big Lakes County Fire Services continue to monitor the Buffalo Bay grass fire. Updates are posted on Big Lakes County Facebook page.
 
Since January 1, 2024, 21 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 279.53 hectares. Of the 21 wildfires, two are being held, one is under control, one has been turned over to the landowner and 17 have been extinguished.
 
In the Slave Lake Forest Area, eight wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season remain under control.
Firefighters along with heavy equipment are working on ground fires on SWF068-2023.
 
Since January 1, 2024, 136 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 514.26 hectares. 

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

During times of low to moderate wildfire danger, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on April 16, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.

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Firefighters burning

Over the next several weeks, firefighters will be burning areas of dead dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning is an efficient way to remove this extremely flammable fire fuel. Trained firefighters conduct these burns under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and to minimize the impact of smoke to roadways and communities.

If you have any questions about these grass burns contact Wildfire Information Office Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.

Fire Permit Online

Fire permits are required

From now until October 31, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local Forestry Office.

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619   

Fire permit holders, please remember to check the weather forecast before initiating any burning activities. This precaution ensures that you'll adhere to the safe burning conditions outlined on your fire permit.

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Prevent wildfires

Spring is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused.

Do your part and prevent wildfires this spring.

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. Always carry firefighting equipment such as a shovel, extinguisher and bucket when you ride.

When having a campfire, keep it small, safe and always attended. When you are leaving the site or going to bed, your campfire must be extinguished. Soak it, stir up the ashes, soak it again to ensure it is out. A campfire is out when you can no longer feel heat from the ashes.

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FireSmart Alberta

Download the FireSmart Begins at Home Guide for practical and simple actions you can take to reduce wildfire risk to your home and property.
 
 
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Wildfire information 

The 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.

Download the Alberta Wildfire app 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.

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

Join the conversation on FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

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If you have any questions, please contact:

Wildfire Information Officer

Leah Lovequist

Mobile:780-849-0945 

Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca

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