Wildfire Danger
The wildfire danger remains EXTREME for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area. Strong and gusty winds are expected for Tuesday. Under these dry and windy conditions a wildfire will spread quickly.
Firefighters are urging everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction is in effect for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area. The goal of the ban and restriction is to reduce human caused wildfires which keeps our firefighters focused on the current wildfires and new wildfire starts. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for Tuesday, May 28th.
Wildfire Situation May 27th 6:30 pm
Photo of Slave Lake Wildfire number 069 located southeast of Trout Lake taken at 11:26 am May 27th.
Wildfire southeast of Trout Lake
There was one new wildfire last night. Slave Lake Wildfire Number 69 is located 14 kilometers southeast of Trout Lake. It is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 300 hectares in size. Airtankers are fighting this wildfire. Structure Protection Units and an Incident Management Team are enroute.
Peerless Trout First Nation is on Evacuation Alert. Click here for information.
McMillan Wildfire Complex
SWF-049 - Due to yesterday's shifting winds, the fire was active on the northeast and southwest flanks. Dozer guard is built around the northern and southern end of the fire, with progress being made on the west and east flanks by ground crews, air tankers, helicopters and heavy equipment. The wildfire has been measured at 57,835 hectares. Tuesday's forecast is calling for a high of 30 degrees with winds southwest at 20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 35. This may cause smoke to enter surrounding communities.
SWF-050 Was declared being held today at 5:07 pm. Being held means under the current wildfire conditions and firefighting efforts the wildfire is not expected to grow. A fire guard has been built around the entire wildfire and it has not experienced any growth. Firefighters continue to monitor this fire. The wildfire is approximately 1,457 hectares.
248 personnel including firefighters and support staff are working to fight these wildfires, along with 23 helicopters and 43 pieces of heavy equipment. An incident management team of fire experts are managing this complex.
At this time, the McMillan complex wildfires are not threatening communities. Click here to view a map of the wildfires.
The cause of these wildfires is under investigation.
Since the start of the wildfire season on March 1st, there have been 69 wildfires and 59,931 hectares burned in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Smoky Conditions
Smoke will continue to drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area over the next several days.
If you experience respiratory difficulties, visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.
On high 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.
Weather
For Tuesday the high will be 28-30 degrees. For areas north of Lesser Slave Lake the winds will be southwest 20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 35. Areas south of the Lake will experience much lighter winds from the west at 15 kilometres per hour.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
A fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction is now in effect for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area and other parts of Alberta.
The Town of Slave Lake, Big Lakes County and Town of High Prairie are also issuing a fire ban and OHV restriction.
To view a map of the fire ban/OHV restriction area visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Prohibited
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.
