Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire hazard VERY HIGH. Three new wildfires today.

Posted on Sat, Jun 27, 2015

 

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Wildfire Hazard

VERY HIGH wildfire hazard continues for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management AreaUse extreme caution while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).The forests are very dry and a fire will spread very quickly under windy conditions. 

 

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Wildfire Summary

Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area 

There were three new wildfires today. One is out of control, one is being held and one has been extinguished. Click here to view a map of the fire locations and click on the pins to view the status and size.

Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers made good progress on slowing the spread of the wildfire located at kilometre 51 on the Chip Alpac Road north of Wabasca. It is estimated to be six hectares in size and is classified as out of control. At this time, dozers are working to build guard around this wildfire. There are 25 firefighters and four helicopters assigned to this wildfire.The Chip Alpac Road is open.

Photo taken at 7:00 pm Saturday June 27.

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Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 137 wildfires that have burned a total of 1212.96 hectares.

For information on the grass fire in the Grouard area 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.

 

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High Alert

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 Sunday, the forecast is calling for very hot temperatures and winds from the northeast/northwest 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. There is a chance of thundershowers for areas south of Lesser Slave Lake.

 

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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.

 

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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.

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 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 28th.

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.