For Friday the wildfire hazard will be HIGH. The forecast is calling for cool temperatures, however winds are expected to be strong and gusty.
Use caution as a wildfire will ignite easily in areas of dead dry grass and spread very quickly under these windy conditions. Call 310-FIRE (3473) immediately to report a wildfire.
Firefighters with helicopters, airtankers 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.
Fire permits remain suspended and new permits are not being issued. Safe campfires are allowed but only when winds are calm.
There was one new wildfire on Wednesday. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the small grass fire. Since April 1st there have been 20 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Thanks to the hard work of firefighters, aircraft pilots and heavy equipment operators 18 have been extinguished, one has been turned over to the landowner and one is under control. The total area burned is just over 47 hectares.
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.
The majority of wildfires this spring 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. When checking your brush piles, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for ground fires. 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 22nd.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)
