Slave Lake Area Update

Strong and gusty winds expected. Delay burning until winds are calm.

Posted on Fri, Sep 18, 2015

FireSmart Community Grant Applications are now being excepted

The FireSmart Community Grant Program is an initiative sponsored by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry to assist communities in reducing the risk of wildfire. For more details about the program and to obtain an application visit wildfire.alberta.ca.  

Calling all community leaders, planners, non-profit community groups and fire professionals

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN  for the FREE  Local FireSmart Representative Workshops 

 

 

 

 

Wildfire Hazard

Strong and gusty winds forecasted for today and Saturday have caused the wildfire hazard to climb to MODERATE for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area

A wildfire will spread very quickly under the windy conditions that are expected. Delay any burning until winds are calm and use extreme caution when working or recreating in our forests. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Weather

The forecast is calling for temperatures in the mid teens and winds from the southwest 20 gusting up to 45 kilometers an hour for today. The winds are expected to be strong and gusty for Saturday as well.

Wildfire Update as of 10:30 am 

There have been no new wildfires since the end of August.

Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 244 wildfires that have burned a total of 22,401 hectares.

For information on wildfires in Alberta download the free Alberta Wildfire App or visit the Wildfire Status Map by clicking here.

 

Fire Permits 

From March 1 to October 31, fire permits are required for any type of burning in the forest protection area - except campfires. A fire permit is not required for a campfire. 

To request your free fire permit call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office.

Slave Lake/Red Earth/Peerless Lake/Trout Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Be sure to follow the conditions on your fire permit as you may need to delay burning until the winds are calm.

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Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape. By getting a fire permit and following the fire permit conditions you help keep our firefighters free to fight existing wildfires and any new wildfires that may start.

 

Preventing Wildfires

Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check these areas frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and start a wildfire.This video shows you how to ride debris free! 

 

A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. This video shows you how to make sure your campfire is out.

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Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfires!

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update Monday September 21st.

Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945

For information about wildfires in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ABGovWildfire or Facebook. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.