Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire Danger 

The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Conditions remain dry in the forest as we have yet to receive significant rain. Under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone. 

The fire restriction remains in effect visit www.albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the affected area.  

Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond.

Weather

For today the maximum temperature will be 27 degrees. The winds will be from the northwest at 10 kilometers per hour.  

Smoky Conditions

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia may drift into the Slave Lake Forest Area.

If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.

Wildfire Situation

There were two new wildfires yesterday and six early this afternoon.

SWF098 located approximately 19 kilometres north of Wabasca 166C is classified as burning out of control and is estimated to be 2 hectares in size. Airtankers and firefighters in helicopters are en route.

Photo: SWF097

SWF097 located 13 kilometres north of Peerless Lake is classified as burning out of control and is estimated to be 25 hectares in size. Airtankers and firefighters in helicopters are en route.

SWF093 to SWF096 located along the highway to Swan Hills are extinguished and each burned 0.01 hectares. 

SWF092 located 35 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake was caused by lightning yesterday evening. Airtankers slowed the spread and this morning firefighters have deemed that the wildfire is being held at 1.0 hectares. There are 13 firefighters with two helicopters working to extinguish the wildfire.

Photo: SWF091 abandoned campfire found at a day use area north of Slave Lake on the afternoon of Sunday July 11.

SWF091 was an abandoned campfire found by an off duty firefighter. The smouldering campfire was extinguished by firefighters in 10 minutes.

Firefighters want to remind everyone to take the time to put out your campfire before you leave.

When putting out your campfire:

• Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir.
• Expose any materials still burning, then add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
• Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

Wildfires of note from July 9-10th 

SWF079 located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Snipe Lake is being held and is 4.0 hectares in size. Heavy equipment has completed a guard around the entire wildfire. There are 17 firefighters with two helicopters and a water delivery vehicle working to extinguish the wildfire.

SWF083 located approximately 23 kilometers northeast of Wabasca is being held and is 45.0 hectares in size.  Airtankers were successful and have surrounded the fire with retardant and knocked down open flame and heavy equipment have completed a guard around the entire wildfire. There are 17 firefighters with a helicopter and two water delivery vehicles working to extinguish the wildfire.

SWF085 located approximately kilometer 60 on Highway 88 is being held and is 14.2 hectares in size.  Heavy equipment has completed a guard around the entire wildfire. There are 17 firefighters with two helicopters and a water delivery vehicle working to extinguish the wildfire.

These wildfires were caused by lightning.

Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 98 wildfires which have burned 200.60 hectares. For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.

Fire Restriction

The fire restriction has been expanded to include most of the Forest Protection Area of Alberta due to hot and dry conditions and increased fire danger.

The fire restriction is in effect for the Edson, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lac La Biche, Peace River, Slave Lake and Whitecourt forest areas. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the affected area.

Prevent wildfires

Under the fire restriction, you can have safe campfires in your backyard and in provincial or private campgrounds.

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.

Use of off-highway vehicles is also allowed. 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.

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. 

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 July 12th, 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.