Slave Lake Area Update

Smoke from wildfires in BC. Extreme Wildfire Hazard Today.

Posted on Tue, Apr 19, 2016

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The smoke which has drifted into the Slave Lake Forest Area is from wildfires burning in British Columbia. The smoke is expected to remain in the area for the next few days. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.

Due to strong and gusty winds expected today, the wildfire hazard will be EXTREME. Winds will be from the west/northwest 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 50.

Fire permits are suspended and new permits are not being issued. Safe campfires are allowed but only when winds are calm. 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. 

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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 five new wildfires yesterday. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment they were all quickly contained.  

Since April 1st there have been 15 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. One is being held, four are under control, and ten have been extinguished. The total hectares burned is 45.84.

Click here to view the Wildfire Situation in Alberta. 

 

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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. During times of dry, windy weather, an improperly extinguished fire can come back to life, especially during a wind event. 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! 

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)

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