At this time, firefighters in helicopters are fighting a wildfire east of Utikuma Lake. Airtankers are en route.
Alberta Transportation has opened Highway 754 due to improved visibility however it could be closed again on short notice. Check 511 Alberta's Official Road Report for the most up to date information.
For the safety of our firefighting personnel please slow down and follow the posted speed limit.
Wildfire Hazard
Very strong and gusty winds are expected for tomorrow. The wildfire hazard has climbed to EXTREME for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Use caution while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). The forests are very dry and under windy conditions a wildfire will spread very quickly.
Weather Forecast
For Wednesday, the forecast is calling for very warm temperatures and winds from the west 25 gusting 40 kilometres per hour.
Wildfire Situation as of 8:00 pm July 7th
There were two new wildfires today. Firefighters were able to quickly contain these wildfires. One is being held and one is under control.
We have three out of control wildfires burning in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Communities are not being threatened. Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment continue to fight these wildfires.
Photo of SWF 140 at 1:33 pm July 7th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 140 was caused by lightning on June 30th and is located 60 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. Eight Firefighters and two helicopters are fighting this wildfire. This wildfire is 1753 hectares.
Photo of SWF163 at 4:30 pm July 7th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 163 started on June 30th and is located north of kilometre 20 on highway 754. This wildfire is 1940 hectares. Dozers continue to build guard around the north end of this wildfire and 69 firefighters with nodwells and water trucks are working to strengthen the fire guard by extinguishing hot spots. Twenty additional firefighters are expected for tomorrow. For the most up to date information on road conditions check 511 Alberta's Official Road Reports.
Photo of SWF175 at 12:46 pm July 7th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 175 was a holdover lightning wildfire which was discovered on July 1st and is located 36 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake. Eight firefighters and two helicopter continue to fight this wildfire. This wildfire is 4647.1 hectares.
Check the Alberta Wildfire App or click here for the location and status of these wildfires. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.
Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 192 wildfires that have burned a total of 9,808.79 hectares.
For 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 ADVISORY for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area is in effect as of 10:00 am July 2. Existing permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued. Exceptions are burn barrels, smudges, sweat lodges and smokehouses.These will be allowed. A valid permit is required and conditions must be followed. Safe campfires are allowed in backyards, campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas.
Fire works in the Forest Protection Area are not allowed at this time.
Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up to date information on the fire advisory.
We thank you for your cooperation. Abiding by the fire advisory you help keep our firefighters free to fight existing wildfires any new wildfires that may start.
Thanks for doing your part to help prevent wildfires.
Soak it, Stir it up and Soak it Again
Make sure your campfire is out. Soak it thoroughly, stir it up and soak it thoroughly again. Hold your hand above the ashes to check for heat. Click here to learn how you can make sure your campfire is out.
Help prevent wildfires while riding your off-highway vehicle
When 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 off-highway vehicle.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 8th.
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.