Slave Lake Area Update

Warm and sunny weather has caused the wildfire danger to climb in the Slave Lake Forest Area. The wildfire danger is now MODERATE.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in areas of dead grass. A fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

Firefighters burning

Over the next several weeks firefighters will be burning areas of dead dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning is an efficient way to remove this extremely flammable fire fuel. Trained firefighters conduct these burns under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and to minimize the impact of smoke to roadways and communities.

If you have any questions about these grass burns contact Wildfire Information Office Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.

Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire

During the 2021 wildfire season, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry may be conducting one or more prescribed fires approximately 12.5 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake. The exact location of the prescribed fire area is directly north of Kilometre 123 on the C-Road.

The prescribed fires will vary in size from 3 to 5 hectares and burning will take place when forecasted weather and on-the-ground conditions allow for a safe, controlled burn.

Smoke may be visible at times but will be localized and short lived. Public roads and highways are expected to remain open; however, traffic may be controlled. Watch for Prescribed Fire in Progress and Smoke signage near the area.

Wildfire Situation

Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 15 wildfires which have burned 20.7 hectares.

Photo SWF015 Friday April 30th at 4:12 pm

The largest wildfire this spring occurred on Friday. The 19 hectare wildfire was caused by a brush pile that was lit in the winter and was not extinguished. 

Snow does not put out a fire. A fire can burn under the snow all winter long only to emerge as a wildfire in the spring.

If you have burned this winter go back and make sure your fires are extinguished. Firefighters thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires.

For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.

Fire Permits 

From now until October 31st, a fire permit is required for any burning, except a campfire, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

To request your free fire permit call your local Agriculture and Forestry office.

Red Earth/Slave Lake 780-849-7377

Wabasca 780-891-3860

High Prairie 780-523-6619

Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

New Alberta Wildfire App

Did you know Alberta Wildfire just launched a brand new app to keep you up-to-date with the wildfire situation in the province?

Download the new app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and  bans across the province and much more.

Available for Apple and Android.

Wildfire Prevention

Wildfire Information

Updates are provided weekly when the wildfire danger is low to moderate and daily when the wildfire danger reaches high to extreme. 

Unless conditions change you can expect your next wildfire update on May 10th, 2021.

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

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Apps:

• Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.