Update on wildfire burning on north end of North Wabasca Lake as of 9:00 pm May 23
Photo: May 23 8:00 pm
Early this afternoon a wildfire started at the north end of North Wabasca Lake. The wildfire is estimated to be 50 hectares in size.
As of 9:00 pm, firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment have made good progress on containing the spread. Dozers have completed a guard around the entire wildfire. An incident management team along with 32 firefighters, two structural protection teams and ten pieces of heavy equipment are working on the wildfire. An additional 32 firefighters are on route.
Bigstone Cree Nation residents are allowed to return to their homes however they will remain on 30 minute evacuation notice.
At this time, the road is closed from the sewage treatment plant to the north end of North Wabasca Lake.
Wildfire Hazard
Warm and dry weather is expected to continue over the weekend. The wildfire hazard remains EXTREME for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
The conditions in the forest are very dry and under windy conditions a fire will spread very quickly. Use extreme caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Weather Forecast
For the weekend, the forecast is calling for very warm temperatures in high twenties and light winds with a chance of isolated thundershowers for Red Earth Creek on Saturday.
Fire Restriction in effect for Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
We truly appreciate your cooperation. Abiding by the fire restriction helps keep our firefighters free to fight new wildfire starts.
Click here for Online Bulletin:Fire restrictions in place for much of northwest Alberta.
Click here to view map of Fire Restriction.