Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-Fire Advisory in Effect- September 14, 2022

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger for today will be high to very high in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are on alert and ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

OHV hotspots

Prevent Wildfires

As we head into fall, the ground conditions are extremely dry and areas of grass are curing and will become flammable. This means any spark will ignite the dry vegetation and a fire will burn deep into the ground.

Please continue to be diligent in preventing wildfires this fall.

When using any type of machinery including off-highway vehicles take the following precautions:

Clear debris from moving parts.
Check your muffler.
Keep the equipment in good repair.
Avoid operating equipment in tall grass.
Keep watch of your surroundings.
Always carry firefighting equipment on board, a fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and a receptacle filled with at least five litres of water.

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.

When putting out your campfire:

Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir.
Expose any materials still burning, then add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

Wildfire Situation

There was on new wildfire since the last update. Yesterday afternoon a motorist called 310-FIRE and reported a wildfire on the side of the highway 986. Firefighters responded and have extinguished the 0.1 hectare wildfire.

Firefighters continue to monitor the under control wildfires (SWF078 and SWF124).

To view wildfires 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 155 wildfires which have burned 2,068.88 hectares.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 1,105 wildfires which burned a total of 142,062.23 hectares.

fire advisory wide

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, all fire permits are suspended with the exception of current burn barrel, incinerators, smudges and smoke house permits. New fire permits will not be issued until a significant amount of rain is received. Essential burning will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prohibited:

• Without a valid fire permit, any burning other than a campfire is prohibited

Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires *

• Backyard fire pits

• Portable propane fire pits

• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues

• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;

c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and

d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

To view a map of the fire advisory area visit www.albertafirebans.ca

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation.

Fire Permits *only essential burning will be considered*

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 be requested by calling your local Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Office.

Red Earth/Slave Lake (780) 849-7377

High Prairie (780) 523-6619

Wabasca (780) 891-3860

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.

wildfire app (2)

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.

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

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