Wildfire situation as of 3:00 pm May 18th
Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are fighting wildfires at approximately kilometre 44 on Highway 754. If travelling in the area you may experience delays.
Download the free Alberta Wildfire app on your mobile device to view locations of wildfires.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Wildfire danger for Saturday May 18th
The wildfire danger will climb to EXTREME for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area due to the strong and gusty winds expected on Saturday May 18th.
Under these extremely dry and 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 Saturday May 18th.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
Weather
For Saturday the temperature will be a high of 15-19 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.
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 18th.
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.