As of 4:00pm today, the fire ban and OHV restriction will no longer be in effect for much of the province, including the Slave Lake Forest Area. However, they will remain in effect for the Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray Forest Areas in northeastern Alberta.
As we go into the long weekend, we ask all Albertans to please continue to exercise extreme caution with fires. If you're going to have a campfire, make sure you fully extinguish it, soak the fire, stir the ashes and then soak it again. The campfire shouldn't be hot to the touch before you leave.
More information regarding the fire ban and OHV restriction can be found at beta.albertafirebans.ca.
Slave Lake Forest Area Forecast
The wildfire hazard has been reduced to LOW for the Slave Lake Forest Area. The forecast for tomorrow is calling for continued cool temperatures and more rain. Winds are expected to be from the northeast at 20 km/hour gusting to 35 km/hr.
Smoke in the Air 
- A shift in winds has caused heavy smoke to drift into parts of northeastern Alberta. Smoke will continue throughout the day.
- If you have health concerns regarding smoke inhalation from a wildfire, check the Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24 hour health advice.
- The photo below is from the smoke forecast for Thursday afternoon. You can view this information at firesmoke.ca.
Wildfire Update
There were no new wildfire starts in the Slave Lake Forest Area today.
Otter Lakes Wildfire Update - The Otter Lakes wildfire is located approximately 36 kilometers northwest of Red Earth Creek. This fire is considered under control. Firefighters continue to work towards extinguishing this fire.
Since April 1st there have been 62 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area and the total area burned 2006.69 hectares.
Click here to view the Wildfire Situation in Alberta.
Fire Permits
Fire permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area. Campfires do not require a fire permit.
Fire permits are free and can be obtained by calling your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office.
- Slave Lake/Red Earth/Peerless/Trout 780-849-7377
- Wabasca 780-891-3860
- High Prairie 780-523-6619
By getting a fire permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of investigating the smoke in your backyard.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on May 26th.
Shawna Lund -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.805.4754 Shawna.Lund@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)
