Wildfire Hazard
Gusty winds and dry conditions have caused the wildfire hazard to climb to EXTREME for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Use caution as a wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly these conditions.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
In response to the Extreme 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.
Click here to view today's wildfire hazard map.
Effective Monday May 29th, 2017 at 9:00am, 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.
Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire Postponed
The Pelican Mountain prescribed fire planned for this week will not occur due to the required weather conditions not being met. Instead scientists will be in the area conducting some preparation work for the prescribed fire which will involve burning some mulch and observing the fire behaviour. This preparation work will start on Tuesday, May 30 or Wednesday, May 31 and will occur north of kilometre 123 on the C-Road, approximately 12.5 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake. Smoke may be visible at times but will likely be localized and short lived.
Click here to view the Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire Bulletin.
Weather
The weather for today is expected to be in the low to mid 20 degree range with winds coming from the southeast. The weather for Tuesday is expected to be even higher potentially reaching 30 degrees Celsius.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here.
Wildfire Situation
There was one new wildfire in the Slave Lake Forest Area yesterday. Since March 1, the Slave Lake Forest Area has recorded 28 wildfires and the total area burned is 45 hectares.
Fire Permits
Effective May 29th, 2017 at 9:00 am fire permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued.
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 or outside your fire permit conditions, 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 30th, 2017.
Shawna Lund -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-805-4754
Email: Shawna.Lund@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)