Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger will remain High for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake. Rain is expected for areas south of Lesser Slave Lake however only a light amount is expected in areas to the north.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for Thursday.
To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
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
There was one new wildfire yesterday. It is classified as being held and is 2.0 hectares. 12 firefighters and three helicopters are fighting this wildfire.
18 firefighters and three helicopters continued 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 99 wildfires and 310,515 hectares burned in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta click here.
McMillan Wildfire Complex
Firefighters will be finishing up along the Marten Lake Road and will be moved to new parts of the fire such as the northwest side of the fire near Brintnell Lake and along dozer lines on the southeast of the fire.
Heavy equipment and line consolidation continues along the east side of the fire.
Continue to FireSmart around Bigstone Cree First Nation.
There is rain in the forecast for this evening.
Structure protection is complete at Trout Lake, Wabasca and Marten Beach. Structure protection continues in Bigstone Cree First Nation.
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 398 firefighters and support staff, 35 helicopters, airtankers, and 43 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 Thursday the temperature will be 8-11 degrees and winds will be from the northeast 20 gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour. The forecast is calling for a good chance of rain for areas south of Lesser Slave Lake.
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.
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 Area. The 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
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.
