Wildfire Hazard
Rain is in the forecast for areas south of Lesser Slave Lake tonight and north of Lesser Slave Lake on Friday afternoon. However, until we have rain on the ground the wildfire hazard will remain VERY HIGH.
The forecast for today and Friday is still calling for winds from the east gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour. 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).
Click here to view the wildfire hazard map for Friday May 12th, 2017.
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.
Click here 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.We are constantly monitoring the weather and will adjust the fire advisory as soon as conditions improve.
Weather
The forecast is calling for strong and gusty winds from the east this evening and Friday. Rain is in the forecast for the next few days.
Wildfire Situation
There were no new wildfires today. 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 click here.
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 12th, 2017.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Email: Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)