Smoke from wildfires burning in British Columbia may drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area today. 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.
Although, we are experiencing very cool temperatures and lighter winds, the wildfire hazard remains HIGH for today. With the lack of rain, areas of dead grass are dry and extremely flammable. Use caution as a wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly under windy conditions. Call 310-FIRE (3473) immediately to report a wildfire.
Fire permits remain suspended and new permits are not being issued. Safe campfires are allowed but only when winds are calm.
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 four new wildfires yesterday. Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment they were all quickly contained. The total area burned was 0.2 hectares.
Since April 1st there have been 19 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. One is under control, one has been turned over to the landowner and 17 have been extinguished. The total area burned is just over 46 hectares.
78% of wildfires this spring in the Slave Lake Forest Area were caused by winter burning. Go back and make sure your winter burns are extinguished. The mild winter and dry ground conditions are proving favorable for holdover fires.
Click here to view the Wildfire Situation in 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!
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)
