Smoky conditions are expected
Over the next several days wildfire smoke will continue to drift into Slave Lake Forest Area.
If you experience respiratory difficulties, visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.
Click here for Alberta Health Services Information about Wildfire Smoke.
Wildfire danger
Although we did receive some much needed rain today, the rain was scattered and amounts were light. To improve the dry conditions, much more rain is needed.
The wildfire danger remains EXTREME for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area.
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 remains 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 and information about 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.
Keep up to date by downloading the Alberta Emergency Alert App or visit www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca
For road conditions visit www.511.alberta.ca
Wildfire Update McMillan Complex June 1 at 8:00 pm
McMillan Wildfire Complex
Overall these wildfires experienced minimal growth today. Heavy equipment made good progress building fire guard around the south and west sides of SWF-049.
The wildfires are:
- 6.1 and 4.5 kilometres west of Wabasca No. 166B and 166D
- 26.5 kilometres northeast of Marten Beach
- 33.5 kilometres northeast of Slave Lake
- 9.3 kilometres southeast of Trout Lake
SWF-049 is 155,968 hectares and is classified as out of control.
SWF-050 did not grow and remains being held at 1,457 hectares.
SWF-069 (formerly Maria Lake Wildfire) is 58,579 hectares and is classified as out of control.
SWF-078 is 162 hectares and is classified as out of control.
SWF-079 is 355 hectares and is classified as out of control.
SWF-078 and SWF-079 started on May 30th and today they have been added to the McMillan Wildfire Complex.
There are 346 firefighters and support staff, 24 helicopters, airtankers, and 60 pieces of heavy equipment fighting this wildfire.
Wildfire information booths have been set up in the community of Calling Lake and at the Walmart in Slave Lake. Current wildfire information and maps will be provided.
New Wildfire Starts
Lightning sparked three new wildfires this evening. Firefighters have extinguished one and two are under control.
Since the start of the wildfire season on March 1st, there have been 85 wildfires and 216,866 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 Sunday the temperature will be 19-21 degrees and winds will be from the west 20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 35 for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake. For areas south of Lesser Slave Lake the winds will be southeast 15 kilometres per hour.
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.
