At this time, Slave Lake Wildfire number 163 located north of kilometre 20 on highway 754 is growing. Airtankers and helicopters with buckets are fighting this wildfire.
Smoke
At this time winds from the northwest are causing smoke from wildfires in High Level and the Northwest Territories to drift 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 Hazard
With strong and gusty winds today, the wildfire hazard will be EXTREME for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Use extreme 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
For Friday,winds are expected to be very strong and gusty due to a cold front that is pushing in. The winds are from the northwest 25 gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour. A fire weather advisory has been declared for central and northern Alberta click here for information.
Wildfire Situation as of 4:00 pm July 3
We have seven out of control wildfires burning in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment continue to fight these wildfires.Communities are not being threatened.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 182 started late yesterday afternoon and is located south of Swampy Lake approximately 23 kilometers south of Loon River First Nation. Dozers have built guard around the entire wildfire. This wildfire is estimated to be 22 hectares.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 140 was ignited by lightning on June 30th and is located 60 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. This wildfire grew under the windy conditions yesterday and is estimated to be 1200 hectares. Highway 88 is closed north of Red Earth Creek to the South Tallcree turnoff. Check 511 for the road closures.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 142 was ignited by lightning on June 30th and is located 26 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake. Under the windy conditions yesterday this wildfire grew and is estimated to be 53 hectares.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 168 was ignited by lightning on June 30th and is located 23 kilometres northeast of Sandy Lake. This wildfire is estimated to be 2.0 hectares.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 181 started late this yesterday afternoon and is located 49 kilometres southeast of Red Earth Creek. This wildfire is estimated to be 15 hectares.
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. Under the windy conditions yesterday this wildfire grew and is estimated to be 1200 hectares.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 176 was a holdover lightning wildfire which was discovered on July 1st and is located 56 kilometres northeast of Wabasca. Dozers finished building guard around this wildfire. This wildfire is 10 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 183 wildfires that have burned a total of 2,768.19 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.
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 July 3rd.
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.