Wildfire situation as of 6:00 pm May 18th
Firefighters and helicopters are fighting a grass fire along highway 88, south of Marten Mountain Tower Road. The fire is 0.2 hectares and helicopters are bucketing on it.It is now being held. Being held means it is not expected to spread based on the weather and firefighting that is been applied.
Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are fighting two wildfires at approximately kilometre 30 on Highway 754. The wildfires are classified as out of control and are 50 and 251 hectares in size.
Visit www511.ca for the latest road reports.
Download the free Alberta Wildfire app on your mobile device to view locations of the wildfires and check back frequently to the Alberta Wildfire app for updates. To view update click on the Slave Lake tab on the map.
If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
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.