Hot and dry conditions have caused the wildfire hazard to climb to EXTREME.
Over the next several days temperatures are expected to be very high and the moisture in the air will be very low. This means that the dead grass and other fine fuels like leaves and twigs are extremely flammable.
Use extreme caution as a wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly.
We have issued a Fire Advisory and we are requesting that you discontinue recreational use of off-highway vehicles until the wildfire hazard subsides.
Call 310-FIRE (3473) immediately to report a wildfire.
Due to the lack of rain, cured fuels and forecast for hot and dry weather in the coming days the Slave Lake Forest Area is issuing a Fire Advisory effective 1:00 pm May 2, 2016.
- No new fire permits will be issued.
- Current fire permits are suspended, with the exception of valid permits for: burn barrels, smokehouses, smudges and sweat lodges.
- Safe campfires are currently allowed.
Alberta Wildfire staff are requesting that you discontinue recreational use of off-highway vehicles until the wildfire hazard subsides.
Burning activities may become restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. For more information on Fire Advisories, Restrictions or Bans across the province, visit AlbertaFirebans.ca.
Photo taken Monday May 2nd at approximately 8:48 am
Update on Slave Wildfire Number 30 as of Monday May 2nd
Firefighters are making good progress on the wildfire located approximately 45 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. As of 11:00 am this morning the wildfire is 40 per cent contained.
There were four new wildfires in the past 24 hours. All four were quickly contained. Since April 1st there have been 35 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area and the total area burned is 497.12 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 May 3rd.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)
