Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update -  June 5th 11:00 am

Posted on Wed, Jun 05, 2019

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Wildfire danger

Very little rain fell in the northern areas of the Slave Lake Forest Area. The wildfire danger is High for areas west and north of Lesser Slave Lake. Areas around Wabasca remain High.

Click here to view the wildfire danger map for today.

Firefighters are urging everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.

Fire Ban/OHV Restriction has been adjusted as of 4:00 pm Tuesday May 4th.

The Fire Ban and OHV Restriction has been lifted for parts of the Slave Lake Forest Area. The Town of Slave Lake, Town of High Prairie and Big Lakes County have also lifted their Fire Ban/OHV Restriction.

The northern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area -areas north of Utikuma Lake, including Wabasca and to the north- remain under the Fire Ban and OHV Restriction.

To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV restriction area visit www.albertafirebans.ca


Alberta Emergency Alert/Road Conditions

Evacuation and Alerts remain in place for communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. For details visit www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca

For the most up to date information on road conditions visit www.511.alberta.ca


New Wildfire Starts

Firefighters have extinguished the new wildfire that started yesterday.

18 firefighters and three helicopters continue to fight SWF-093 which is located 11 kilometres south of Chipewyan Lakes. It is classified as being held and is 98 hectares.

Since the start of the wildfire season on March 1st, there have been 98 wildfires and 310,513 hectares burned in the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here. 

moring briefing at wabasca

McMillan Wildfire Complex

Heavy equipment and firefighters continue to work on the east side of the fire to strengthen lines in proximity to Wabasca.

Firefighters and equipment are working along the Marten Lake Road. Heavy equipment continue to build dozer guard along south side of the fire.

Structure protection around Bigstone Cree First Nation including FireSmarting and vegetation management continues.

Bucketing helicopters and airtankers will be used as needed today.

Structure protection is complete at Trout Lake, Wabasca and Marten Beach.

The wildfires are: 

  • 4.9 and 3.3 kilometres west of Wabasca No. 166B and 166D
  • 26.5 kilometres northeast of Marten Beach
  • 32.8 kilometres northeast of Slave Lake
  • 9.3 kilometres southeast of Trout Lake 

SWF-049 is 248,847 hectares and is classified as out of control.

SWF-078 is 137 hectares and is classified as out of control.

SWF-079 is 860 hectares and is classified as out of control.

SWF-090 is 187 hectares and is classified as out of control.

There are 392 firefighters and support staff, 35 helicopters, airtankers, and 35 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.

Click here to view a map of the McMillan Wildfire Complex.

Click here to view a map of the wildfires burning in Alberta.

An Alberta Wildfire Information booth is set up at the Calling Lake Evacuation Centre.


Weather

For Wednesday the temperature will be 15 degrees and winds will be from the northwest/west 15 kilometres. The forecast is calling for a small chance of rain today.


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A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction remains in effect for the northern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area -areas north of Utikuma Lake, and including Wabasca and areas north. To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV restriction area visit www.albertafirebans.ca

Prohibited

• All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, back country and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.

• Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.

• Fireworks and exploding targets.
• The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.
 
Allowed
 
• Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
 
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
 
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
 
• OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands.

To view a fact sheet on the OHV restriction click here

To view a fact sheet on the fire ban click here.

The Fire Ban and OHV Restriction has been lifted for southern parts of the Slave Lake Forest AreaThe Town of Slave Lake, Town of High Prairie and Big Lakes County have also lifted their Fire Ban/OHV Restriction. To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV restriction area visit www.albertafirebans.ca

Safe campfires are allowed. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's extinguished. Soak it with water, Stir up the ashes and soak it again.

When riding your off highway vehicle, stop frequently to remove the build up of debris from your muffler.

Fire Permits are now being issued in parts of the Forest Protection Area in the Slave Lake Forest Area

Call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office to request a fire permit.

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619

 

If you have any questions please contact:

Leah Lovequist

Wildfire Information Officer

Mobile: 780-849-0945

Email:leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca

Keep up to date on the wildfire situation by subscribing to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update or download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.

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