Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is HIGH for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake and areas around Wabasca area remain VERY HIGH.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for May 15th.
Use caution as areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily and a fire will spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
The fire advisory has been lifted for areas that received rain.
Click here to view of map of rain coverage over the past 24 hours.
Fire advisory has been lifted for the following; Slave Lake, all Southshore communities, Big Lakes County, High Prairie, Enilda, Grouard, Salt Prairie, East Prairie, Peavine, Whitefish, Sawridge, Driftpile, Swan River, Gift Lake and Kapawe'no.
Areas to the north that did not receive rain remain under a fire advisory.
Fire Advisory remains in effect for the following; Wabasca, Sandy Lake, Red Earth Creek, Trout Lake, Peerless Lake, Loon Lake and Chipewyan Lakes.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT AS OF MAY 15, 2019
A Fire Advisory has been issued for the northern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area, due to warmer temperatures and no significant rainfall in the forecast. The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
- Existing fire permits are suspended.
- No new fire permits will be issued during this time.
What is allowed:
- Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
- Charcoal briquettes
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
For information about the fire advisory visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Weather
For today the temperature will be a high of 8-12 degrees and winds will be from the east/northeast 15 kilometres per hour.
On alert
Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, various pieces of heavy equipment and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Wildfire situation
There were two new wildfires yesterday. Both fires were extinguished quickly. Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 35 wildfires and 317.7 hectares burned.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Fire permits
From March 1st to October 31st, a fire permit is required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire for cooking or warming does not require a fire permit.
To request your free fire permit call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office:
Slave Lake/Red Earth/Trout/Peerless/Loon 780-849-7377
Wabasca 780-891-3860
High Prairie 780-523-6619
Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire
During the 2019 wildfire season, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry may be conducting one or more prescribed fires approximately 12.5 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake.
For more information click here.
Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.
When riding your off highway vehicle stop frequently to remove any build-up of debris from the hot spots on your machine. An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smouldering and fall to the ground as you drive away.
Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cool to the touch.
Unless the situation changes your next wildfire update will be issued on May 16th.
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.
