Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 16th - Fire Advisory remains in place for northern communities

Posted on Thu, May 16, 2019

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Wildfire danger 

The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake. With the strong and gusty winds today a fire will spread very quickly. Firefighters are urging everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

Click here to view the wildfire danger map for May 16th.

 Fire Advisory

On May 15th, the fire advisory was lifted for areas that received rain.

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 

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 10 -13 degrees and winds will be from the southeast 20  kilometres per hour gusting up to 40.

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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 three new wildfires yesterday. All three fires were quickly extinguished. Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 40 wildfires and 318.35 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

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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.

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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 17th.

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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