Wildfire Hazard
Very strong and gusty winds are expected on Thursday and Friday thus the wildfire hazard has climbed to VERY HIGH. Areas of dead grass are extremely flammable and a fire will spread very quickly under windy conditions.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
In response to the VERY HIGH wildfire hazard, we have firefighters with helicopters, an airtanker and various pieces of heavy equipment stationed throughout the area ready to fight any new wildfires that may start. Firefighters in helicopters and all 20 of our lookout tower observers are constantly watching for smoke.
Effective Wednesday May 10th, 2017 at 3:00 pm
Due to the strong and gusty winds expected Thursday and Friday, a Fire Advisory has been issued for the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Valid fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.
Small, safe cooking and warming campfires are allowed when winds are calm. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it is extinguished. Soak it, stir up the ashes and soak it again. Use a bare hand to ensure the ashes are cool to the touch.
Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for information on the Fire Advisory and to view the map.
By following the fire advisory, you help keep our firefighters free to fight wildfires. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Weather
For Thursday and Friday the winds are expected to become very strong and gusty. Winds are expected to be from the east 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 70 kilometres.
Wildfire Situation
There were two new wildfire today. Both were quickly contained and extinguished by firefighters. Since March 1, 2017, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 11 wildfires and the total area burned is 1.13 hectares.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
Fire Permit
Effective May 10th, 2017 at 3:00 pm fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued due to the very strong and gusty winds expected for Thursday and Friday.
Before you burn it get a fire permit. As of March 1st, fire permits are required for any burning (excluding campfires) in the Forest Protection Area.
To obtain your free fire permit call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office:
- Slave Lake/Red Earth/Peerless/Trout 780-849-7377
- Wabasca 780-891-3860
- High Prairie 780-523-6619
Last year in Alberta, 60% of wildfires were caused by humans. Human caused wildfires are 100% preventable so please do your part to prevent wildfires this season.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 help us to track what is burning on the landscape and if you are burning without a fire permit your fire is considered a wildfire.
Wildfire Prevention
A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. This video shows you how to make sure your campfire is out.
Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire.This video shows you how to ride debris free.
Wildfire Information
Connect with Alberta Wildfire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.Get the most up-to-date wildfire information by downloading the free Alberta Wildfire app for Android or Apple devices.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on May 11th, 2017.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945 Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)