Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire Hazard

Warm weather and lack of rain has caused the wildfire hazard to climb to HIGH. Strong and gusty winds are expected this afternoon. Use caution and postpone burning as a wildfire will spread very quickly under these windy conditions. Click here to view the wildfire hazard map for today. 

High Alert

Firefighters and aircraft 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

The forecast is calling for sun and warm weather this week. Today temperatures will be cooler however winds will be from the northwest gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour. 

Wildfire Situation in the Slave Lake Forest Area

There was one new wildfire on Monday. Firefighters responded and the landowner extinguished the fire. Remember to get a fire permit before you burn it. Your fire is a wildfire if you are burning without a fire permit or outside the fire permit conditions.

Since April 1st there have been 210 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area and just over 2,260 hectares burned. 

For information on the wildfire situation across Alberta visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca

So far this year 40% of the wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area have been human caused. Human caused wildfires are 100% preventable. Follow these tips when working or recreating in the forest.

• When riding your off-highway vehicle stop frequently to clear away any debris that builds up and carry firefighting equipment on board.
• Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it with water. Stir up the ashes and soak it again. 
• When operating farm equipment be sure to clear your machine of flammable crop residue, check for sparks frequently and carry firefighting equipment on board.
• Refrain from using shooting targets that explode.These incendiary targets can cause a wildfire and for this reason their use has been prohibited until the end of wildfire season on October 31, 2016.
• Before you burn it get a permit. If you are burning without a fire permit or outside your fire permit conditions your fire is a wildfire.

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfires!

Fire Permits

Fire permits are required for any type of burning (except campfires) in the Forest Protection Area. By getting a fire permit and abiding by the fire permit conditions, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of investigating the smoke in your backyard. 

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

Firefighters need your help reporting and preventing wildfires. Did you know? 30% of wildfires each year are reported by Albertans.To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.

Visit beta.albertfirebans.ca to learn more about current fire bans across the province.

Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update August 18th.

Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer

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