Slave Lake Area Update

Lightning sparked 20 new wildfires this evening.

Posted on Wed, Jun 22, 2016

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For Thursday, due to warm weather and lack of rain the hazard will remain HIGH for areas north and east of Lesser Slave Lake. Although we did receive a good amount of rain a few days of warm weather has dried up the fine fuels like grass, leaves and twigs. A wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly under windy conditions. Use caution when working or recreating in the forest and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

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High Alert

We are expecting thundershowers with lightning to move through the area again on Thursday. Firefighters with helicopters and airtankers 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.  

 

Weather Forecast

For Thursday we can expect warm temperatures, winds from the northeast 10 kilometres per hour and a chance of thundershowers with lightning in the afternoon/evening. 

Wildfire Situation for the Slave Lake Forest Area

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Lightning map from June 22.

This evening lightning passed through the north portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area sparking 20 new wildfires. Firefighters and airtankers made good progress fighting these wildfires as four have been extinguished, five are under control and four are being held. Firefighters continue to work on containing the remaining seven which are classified as out of control. The wildfires range in size from 4.0 to 0.01 hectares. These wildfires are not threatening communities. new_starts_june_22_pm.jpg

Since April 1st there have been 107 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area and the total area burned is just over 2141 hectares.

Click here to view the Wildfire Situation in Alberta. 

Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction

The fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction has been lifted for the Fort McMurray Forest Area and portions of northeastern Alberta. Many communities across Alberta still have fire bans, restrictions and advisories in place.Visit http://beta.albertafirebans.ca/ for the most up to date fire ban information.

 

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Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smoldering 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! 
 
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Please do your part to prevent wildfires this weekend. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire.This video shows you how to make sure your campfire is out.
 
 
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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.

For more information

Bookmark the Slave Lake Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you.

Download the Alberta Wildfire app on your Apple or Android device.

You can also find us on 

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update June 23rd.

Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer

Mobile: 780.849.0945  Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca

Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)

 

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