The wildfire hazard remains EXTREME for the Slave Lake Forest Area as the strong and gusty winds are expected to continue. For Tuesday the winds will be from the west 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 50.
Fire permits will remain suspended and new permits are not being issued. Use extreme caution as a wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly under these windy conditions. Call 310-FIRE (3473) immediately to report a wildfire.
Firefighters with helicopters, an airtanker and various pieces of heavy equipment 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.
There were three new wildfires this afternoon. Thanks to the efforts of our firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment two are being held and one has been extinguished. These wildfires burned 0.71 hectares.
Since April 1st there have been 13 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. One is under control, two are being held and ten have been extinguished. The total hectares burned is 45.43.
Click here to view the Wildfire Situation Report for Alberta.
Spring is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused. Human-caused wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Please do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.
Go back and check your winter burns to ensure they are extinguished. When checking your brush piles, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel any heat, the fire is still burning beneath the surface. Douse any remaining hot spots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not completely extinguished until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.
A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. This video shows you how to make sure your campfire is out.
Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire.This video shows you how to ride debris free!
Fire permits are suspended and new permits are not being issued.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on April 19th.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)
