An Alberta Emergency Alert has been issued for the mandatory evacuation of the Hamlet of Wabasca and Bigstone Cree Nation.
Residents of the Hamlet of Wabasca and Bigstone Cree Nation should evacuate South on Highway 813 to Calling Lake.
Evacuees are asked to register at the Calling Lake Recreation Centre, 2870 Central Drive, Calling Lake, AB
Click here to view the Alberta Emergency Alert.
Highway 754 from Highway 88 to Wabasca is closed due to wildfire smoke.
Dial #511 for current road conditions or visit www.511.alberta.ca
Wildfire Situation
McMillan Wildfire Complex (Slave Lake Wildfire Number 49 and 50) as of 7:30 pm May 29th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 49 -The wildfire was active on the northeast flank, crossing the power line that runs north and south and outflanking Mistehae Lake.
The west flank is secure from the south to Britnell Lake. Ignition operations are considered for the south, west and east flanks to further reduce fuel and secure the perimeter.
Today air tankers worked the north flank, and helicopters bucketed to support firefighters along the south flank. Dozer groups continue working to secure a guard around the wildfire.
Crews were pulled from the east flank as conditions were not safe. Heavy smoke is prevalent in Wabasca.
The wildfire is currently 10 kilometres from 166B and 166D on the west side of Wabasca Lake. RCMP closed a portion of highway 754 at 1630 hrs.
For updates on highway closures check 511. The estimated size is 74,506 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.
293 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.
The cause of these wildfires is under investigation.
Maria Lake Wildfire (Slave Lake Wildfire Number 69) as of 8:00 pm May 29th
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 69 is located 14 kilometers southeast of Trout Lake.
Due to hot and dry conditions, the fire grew significantly to the south and southeast today, while the north section grew moderately. In the priority area on the northwest section of the fire, progress was made on the control line and held well today. Most of the fire spread is still occurring away from the community of Trout Lake.
The wildfire is 2,655 hectares.
There are 68 firefighters and incident management team members, six helicopters and airtankers fighting this wildfire.
Peerless Trout First Nation is on Evacuation Alert. Click here for information.
Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger remains EXTREME for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area. Strong gusty winds are expected. 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.
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 information
Download the free Alberta Wildfire app and click on the Slave Lake label to view the wildfire update for the Slave Lake Forest Area. To subscribe to the wildfire update click here, enter your email and choose instant.
Slave Lake Forest Area wildfire stats
There have been no new wildfires today. Since the start of the wildfire season on March 1st, there have been 75 wildfires and 78,957 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 Thursday the high will be 20 degrees and winds will be from the north 20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 40.
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.
