Wildfire Hazard
The warm weather has caused the wildfire hazard to climb in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. For today, the wildfire hazard is HIGH to VERY HIGH.
VERY HIGH - East Prairie, High Prairie, Peavine, Joussard, Grouard, Driftpile, Kinuso, Faust, Peerless Lake, Trout Lake, Wabasca, Sandy Lake and Fawcette Lake.
With very warm and sunny weather expected over the next several days, the wildfire hazard will continue to climb. Use extreme caution while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).The forests are dry and a fire will spread very quickly under windy conditions.
Wildfire Summary
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
Lightning sparked eight new wildfires yesterday. Thanks to the hard work of firefighters all were quickly contained. One is being held, two are under control and five have been extinguished. Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 120 wildfires that have burned a total of 1201.97 hectares.
At this time, Agriculture and Forestry firefighters are assisting the County of Big Lakes Fire Department with a 2.5 hectare grass fire located southwest of Grouard. Smoke is drifting into the community. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta health services website or call 811 for 24/7 health advise from health link Alberta.
Alberta
In the last 24 hours there have been 73 new wildfires. Alberta currently has 81 wildfires. 16 are out of control, 29 are being held, 35 are under control and one has been turned over to the responsible party. Since April 1, 2015, Alberta has recorded 1011 wildfires that have burned a total of 92,044.19 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.
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.
Weather Forecast
For today the forecast is calling for very warm temperatures, a chance of showers and winds from the southwest at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour.
Very warm and sunny weather is expected for this week and into the weekend.
Fire Permits
With Canada Day around the corner, be sure to request your free fire permit if you plan on igniting fireworks in the Forest Protection Area.
The fire permit suspension has been lifted and new fire permits are being issued. However fire permits will not be issued for brush piles.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
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 new wildfires that may start.
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.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfires.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update June 26th.
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.