Wildfire Danger
The wildfire danger remains EXTREME for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area. Strong and gusty winds are expected for Wednesday. Under these dry and windy conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Smoky conditions in the Slave Lake Forest Area will persist over the next several days. Click here to view the wildfire danger map for Wednesday, May 29th.
Firefighters are urging everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
A Fire Ban/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.
To view a map of the fire ban/OHV restriction visit www.albertafirebans.ca
To view a fact sheet on the OHV restriction click here.
To view a fact sheet on the fire ban click here.
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.
Wildfire Situation May 28th 9:00 pm
Wildfire southeast of Trout Lake
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 69 is located 14 kilometers southeast of Trout Lake. Wildfire activity picked up this afternoon on the east section of the fire, which resulted in significant growth. Most of the growth observed today occurred away from the community of Trout Lake.
There were 6 helicopters bucketing and additional support from airtankers. Their efforts were focused on the north and northwest section of the wildfire. With the growth on the east section today the wildfire is estimated to be approximately 600 hectares. There are 58 firefighters and an incident management team of fire experts working on this wildfire.
Peerless Trout First Nation is on Evacuation Alert. Click here for information.
Photo of firefighters at the morning meeting on McMillan Wildfire Complex.
McMillan Wildfire Complex
Slave Lake Wildfire number 49 -The wildfire was active in the mid-east to northeast flanks today and did experience growth. Helicopters with buckets and firefighters continue to work along the south flank up to both the east and west sides. There are dozer groups working to secure a guard around the wildfire, they have been working north from the southern flank.The estimated size was 58,735 ha.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 50 - Was declared being held on Monday. 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. The wildfire is approximately 1,457 hectares.
300 personnel including firefighters and support staff are working to fight these wildfires, along with 24 helicopters and 51 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.
The cause of these wildfires is under investigation.
Since the start of the wildfire season on March 1st, there have been 75 wildfires and 60,231 hectares burned in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Weather
For Wednesday the high will be 28-30 degrees and winds will be from the west/northwest 15-20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 35.
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.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
A fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction is 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 have issued a fire ban and OHV restriction.
To view a map of the fire ban/OHV restriction area visit www.albertafirebans.ca
To view a fact sheet on the OHV restriction click here.
To view a fact sheet on the fire ban click here.
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.
