Wildfire hazard for Monday June 8
The wildfire hazard for Monday remains EXTREME due to the dry conditions and very strong and gusty winds. The strong and gusty winds are expected to continue late into the evening. The forest is very dry and a fire will spread very quickly under windy conditions. Use extreme caution while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Firefighters with helicopters, heavy equipment and airtankers are stationed throughout the area ready to fight any new wildfires that may start. We also have our personnel in the fire towers on high alert constantly watching for smoke.
Forecasted Wildfire Hazard for Tuesday June 9
Recent and forecasted rain has brought some relief to the wildfire hazard in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
The forecasted wildfire hazard for June 9th is VERY HIGH for areas south of Lesser Slave Lake and MODERATE - LOW for areas to the north.
Please remember this is a forecasted wildfire hazard for June 9th based on the rain expected. Until the rain falls to the ground, conditions do remain dry.
Map below shows the forecasted wildfire hazard for June 9th.
Weather Forecast
For Tuesday the forecast is calling for warm temperatures, a chance of thundershowers for areas north of Lesser Slave Lake and lighter winds from the north/northwest 15 kilometers per hour.
Slave Lake Wildfire Mangement Area Wildfire Update as of 4:30 pm June 8th
Lightning has passed throught the area this afternoon. Firefighters in helicopters and our personnel in fire towers are on high alert watching for smoke from lightning holdover fires.
There was one new wildfire last night. It was small and quickly extinguished. Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 98 wildfires and 1,184.26 hectares burned.
Alberta Wildfire Update as of 10:00 am June 8th
In the last 24 hours there have been eight new wildfires. Alberta currently has 36 wildfires. Four are out of control, four are being held, 26 are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party. Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 824 wildfires that have burned a total of 71,385.32 hectares. For more information on the wildfires burning in Alberta visit the wildfire status map at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App.
A FIRE RESTRICTION and FIRE ADVISORY remain in effect for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Check albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information and to view a map of the locations.We are constanly monitoring the weather and the wildfire hazard and will adjust the restriction and advisory when conditions permit.
Help prevent wildfires while riding your OHV
While riding your off highway vehicle be sure to stop often and clean any debris from the hotspots. Unchecked the debris can build up, begin to smolder and fall away sparking a wildfire. Click here to learn how you can prevent wildfires while riding your OHV.
Thank you to all for cooperating with the fire restriction and fire advisory. Abiding by the fire restriction and fire advisory helps to keep our firefighters free to fight wildfires that are still burning and any new wildfires that may start.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update June 9th.
Leah Lovequist - Wildfire Information Officer
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
Office: 780.849.7412
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
To report wildfires call 310-FIRE
For information about wildfires in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ABGovWildfire or Facebook. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.