Wildfire Danger
The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH to EXTREME in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution as under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
On Alert
Firefighters anticipate new starts today with the high probability of lightning expected and recent lightning that has occurred.
Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Weather
For today the maximum temperature will be 18 degrees and winds will be from the north/northwest at 15 - 20 kilometres per hour. There is a good chance of lightning for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area.
Photo SWF046 at 856 am on June 6th, 2021 Firefighters report very minimal fire activity this morning.
Wildfire Situation
Firefighters, helicopters and airtankers fought nine new wildfires last night.The majority of wildfires were caused by the lightning as storms passed through.
Of the nine wildfires one is classified as burning out of control, three are being held, three are under control and two have been extinguished.
SWF046 is located 10 kilometres east of Red Earth Creek and remains classified as burning out of control. It is not threatening any communities.
The wildfire was accurately measured late last night and it is 63.2 hectares.
Heavy equipment has completed fire guard around the north end of the wildfire and will be building guard along the south end today.
Water skimming airtankers are working on the south end of the wildfire and firefighters are on the ground laying hose and setting up pumps.
Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 54 wildfires which have burned 98.94 hectares.
For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds.
Under this advisory:
· Existing fire permits are still valid.
· New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
Prohibited:
· Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire.
Safe campfires, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue and recreational off-highway vehicles are allowed.
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for a map of the affected area.
Prevent Wildfires
Please do your part to prevent wildfires.
If you plan to use an OHV remember to stop often and check hot spots. Debris can heat up, drop to the ground and start a wildfire.
When having a campfire, keep it small, safe and always attended. When you are leaving your site or headed to bed, your campfire must be extinguished. Soak it, stir up the ashes, soak it again to ensure it is out.
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.
Wildfire Information
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.
Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.
Subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email when new information is posted.Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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 at 7:00 pm on June 6th, 2021.
If you have any questions please contact:
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile:780-849-0945
Email:Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
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