Wildfire Hazard
Warm and sunny weather has caused the wildfire hazard to climb to HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Click here to view the wildfire hazard map for May 21st.
In response to the high wildfire hazard, all 20 of our personnel in the fire towers are constantly watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and various pieces of heavy equipment are stationed throughout the area, ready to fight any new wildfires that may start.
Please do your part to prevent wildfires. While out enjoying the long weekend please do your part to prevent wildfires. Make sure your campfire is out and when riding your off highway vehicle stop frequently to remove the build up of debris around the machine's hotspots.
Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE(3473). This reporting line is answered 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Weather
For the weekend, the forecast is calling for temperatures in the low to mid twenties and light to moderate winds. Winds are expected to become stronger on Monday afternoon.
Wildfire Situation
There were four new wildfires yesterday which burned two hectares in total. As of 10:00 am May 21, three have been extinguished and the fourth is being held. At this time, firefighters are working to extinguish the fourth wildfire which is located northeast of Gods Lake. Since March 1, 2017, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 17 wildfires and the total area burned is 3.15 hectares.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here.
Fire Permits
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.
Do your part to prevent wildfires
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 22nd, 2017.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Email: Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)