Firefighters are fighting 10 new wildfires which were sparked by lightning late this afternoon. Six are classified as out of control, two are under control and two have been extinguished. The wildfires range in size from 2.0 to 0.1 hectares. Communities are not being threatened. Check back for frequent updates.
For today, 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).
High Alert
We are expecting thundershowers with lightning to move through the area today. 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 Wednesday we can expect warm temperatures, winds from the southwest 15 kilometres per hour and a chance of thundershowers in the afternoon/evening.
Wildfire Situation for the Slave Lake Forest Area
Last night lightning sparked two new wildfires east of Utikuma Lake. Firefighters and airtankers quickly contained the wildfires. As of this morning, one has been extinguished and one is being held. The total area burned is under half a hectare.
Since April 1st there have been 87 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area and the total area burned is just over 2126 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.
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
- Facebook,Twitter
- Youtube
- or visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update June 22nd.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945 Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)
