Update on Slave Lake Wildfire number 55 as of 6:00 pm May 20.
Photo: Slave Lake Wildfire number 55 at 9:00am May 20
Firefighters,helicopters and heavy equipment continue to make good progress on containing the wildfire located approximately 125 kilometers north of Slave Lake. The wildfire did not experience any growth today, the estimated size remains at 338 hectares. Firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment are working to extinguish vigorous surface fires and secure the dozer guard which surrounds the entire wildfire. Highway 88 is open at this time and the wildfire is not threatening homes or communities. Currently, there are over 60 firefighters assigned to this wildfire and 32 more enroute.
Wildfire Situation as of May 20 6:00 pm
There was one new wildfire today. A member of the public called 310-Fire to report a grass fire burning approximately10 kilometers SW of High Prairie. Firefighters were able to quickly contain and extinguish the wildfire at 0.2 hectares.
Since April 1st, there have been 58 wildfire in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area and just over 661 hectares burned.
Currently in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area, 100 firefighters, 17 helicopters, 7 heavy equipment groups, 1 airtanker with a birddog, and 4 water-bombers with a birddog have been stationed strategically throughout the area and are ready to battle any new wildfires that may start. We also have firefighters in helicopters doing aerial patrols and all 20 of our lookout tower observers are continually watching for smoke.
Wildfire Hazard
Warm and dry weather keeps wildfire hazard VERY HIGH to EXTREME for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
Click here to view wildfire hazard map for May 21.
Dry conditions continue to linger in the forest, causing the grass and other surface fuels to remain extremely flammable. Under windy conditions a fire will spread rapidly through these flammable fuels. With the start to the camping season well under way, please remember not to leave your campfire unattended. Be sure your fire is properly extinguished before you leave, and check your ATV for debris regularly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Weather Forecast
For Thursday May 21st, the forecast is calling for very warm temperatures in high twenties and light winds from the E and SE.
Due to the extremely dry conditions and dry surface fuels, and the Very High fire hazard, the Slave Lake Wildfire Management area has issued a fire advisory EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, for the Slave Lake forest protection area. All existing fire permits have been suspended and no new permits will be issued until conditions allow.
Currently, safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and back country or random camping areas. Please be sure to use extreme caution when having a campfire. Do not leave any campfires unattended, and ensure your campfire is COMPLETELY extinguished by soaking, stirring, and soaking your fire again.
The fire advisory will remain effective until the fire hazard conditions improve. For local and provincial fire ban/advisory information, please check Albertafirebans.ca.