Wildfire Hazard
With the strong and gusty winds expected late into this evening, the wildfire hazard continues to be HIGH to VERY HIGH for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. The VERY HIGH wildfire hazard persists for areas around Wabasca, Sandy Lake and Red Earth.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
With the cold front moving into the area this evening, the winds are expected to become very strong and gusty. The winds are expected to be from the north 25 gusting up to 45 kilometres per hour.
For Tuesday the forecast is calling for warm temperatures, a chance of thundershowers and winds from the southwest 15 to 20 kilometres per hour.
Smoke
Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories is drifting into the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24/7 health advise from health link Alberta. For a smoke forecast map please visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada.
Wildfire Situation as of 7:00 pm July 6th
Due to smoky conditions and poor visibility Highway 754 remains closed. For information on the road closure check 511 Alberta's Official Road Reports.
No new wildfires today.
We have four out of control wildfires burning in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Communities are not being threatened. Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment continue to fight these wildfires.
Photo of SWF 140 at 1:15pm July 6th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 140 was caused by lightning on June 30th and is located 60 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek.This wildfire did experience some growth today. Firefighters did report that this wildfire received some rain this afternoon.This wildfire is 1753 hectares.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 142 was caused by lightning on June 30th and is located 26 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake. This wildfire was accurately measured to be 47.4 hectares. 16 firefighters and two helicopters are fighting this wildfire.
Photo of SWF163 at 4:30 pm July 6th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 163 started on June 30 and is located north of kilometre 20 on highway 754. This wildfire is 1909 hectares. Airtankers actioned this wildfire all day and dozers are building the last 15 per cent of fire guard. There are thirty six firefighters fighting this wildfire and twenty additional firefighters are expected tomorrow. Due to smoky conditions and very poor visibility Highway 754 remains closed. For information on the road closure check 511 Alberta's Official Road Reports.
Photo of SWF175 at 1:30 pm July 6th
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. This wildfire did grow in a northeast direction today. Firefighters are using helicopters with buckets to douse areas of open flame.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 188 wildfires that have burned a total of 9777.56 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 July7th at 1:00pm.
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.