Wildfire danger for Friday May 17th
The wildfire danger will climb to EXTREME for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake due to the strong and gusty winds expected on Friday May 17th.The wildfire danger for areas around Lesser Slave Lake have climbed to HIGH and areas south of Highway 2 on the way to Swan Hills will be MODERATE.
Under the windy conditions a fire will burn intensely and spread very quickly.
Firefighters are urging everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for Friday May 17th.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
Weather
For Friday the temperature will be a high of 15-17 degrees and winds will be from the southeast 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 55.
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 six new wildfires today. Firefighters have quickly contained these fires. Five have been extinguished and one is under control. Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 43 wildfires and 318.79 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 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.
