Update as of 8:00 pm this evening - Thanks to the hard work of firefighters the wildfire southeast of 166A in Wabasca is 100 per cent contained. The estimated size is 0.5 hectares.
Wildfire Hazard
The warm weather and forecasted winds have elevated the wildfire hazard in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
For today, the wildfire hazard is VERY HIGH with areas of EXTREME in the northeast and southwest portion of the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
EXTREME - Wabasca, Sandy Lake and High Prairie.
The winds are expected to be very strong and gusty. 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 seven new wildfires yesterday. Thanks to the hard work of firefighters all were quickly contained. Two are under control, one is being held and four have been extinguished. There are 16 firefighters and four helicopters working on these wildfires.Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 127 wildfires that have burned a total of 1205.3 hectares.
There is a grass fire burning in the Grouard area. For information on this fire contact the County of Big Lakes Fire Department at 780-523-8778.
Alberta
For 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.
Smoke
Expect smoke to continue drifting into the area for the next few days. 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.
Weather Forecast
For Friday, the forecast is calling for very warm temperatures, a chance of thundershowers with lightning and winds from the west 25 gusting up to 50 kilometres per hour.
Very warm and sunny weather is expected to continue over 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.Campfires are allowed and do not require a fire permit.
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 27th.
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.