Fall is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. With lightning season coming to an end, most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused. Human-caused wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Please do your part to prevent wildfires this fall!
Wildfire Hazard
Warm temperatures and gusty winds have caused the wildfire hazard to climb to MODERATE for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
Use caution when working or recreating in the forest and in areas of dead dry grass. A wildfire can ignite easily and spread quickly under windy conditions. Call 310-FIRE (3743) immediately to report a wildfire.
Although, we may get some rain this weekend, it only takes half a day of warm weather to dry out the fine fuels such as dead grass.
Weather
The forecast is calling for very strong and gusty winds for today and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to become cooler and there is a chance of rain for Sunday.
Wildfire Update as of 11:00 am
There was one new wildfire yesterday. Firefighters quickly contained it.
Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 251 wildfires that have burned a total of 22,394 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.
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.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfires!
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update Friday October 16th.
For information about wildfires in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ABGovWildfire or Facebook. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.