Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is MODERATE. Strong and gusty winds are expected to continue this evening. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in snow-free areas as the dead grass will ignite easily and winds will cause the fire to spread quickly.

if you spot a wildfire report it by calling 310-Fire (3473).

Wildfire updates will be provided weekly when the wildfire danger is low to moderate and daily when the wildfire danger reaches high to extreme. If you have any questions in the meantime contact Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.

Wildfire Situation

SWF012 located in the Lesser Slave Provincial Park, south of the hamlet of Summerwood started late this morning. Firefighters and helicopters were successful in slowing the spread. The grass fire is being held and is estimated to be 25 hectares. There are eight firefighters, one water truck and one helicopter working on this wildfire.

Photo SWF011 April 25, 2022 9:38 am - Firefighters reported no visible flame on their flight of the wildfire this morning.

SWF011 started on Sunday afternoon and is located 14 kilometres southeast of Kinuso. Firefighters and helicopters responded and were able to slow the fire spread. At this time, there are 18 firefighters,two helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment working to contain this wildfire. It is classified as burning out of control and is 136.3 hectares in size.The wildfire is not a threat to the community.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 12 wildfires which have burned 142.77 hectares.

SWF099 located northeast of Chipewyan Lakes which occurred in 2021 remains under control and will be scanned for hotspots in the spring when the snow has melted.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 108 wildfires which burned a total of 241.95 hectares.

For more information or to view the wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit Wildfire Status | AAF - Agriculture and Forestry (alberta.ca).

firefighter burning grass

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.

check your winter burning shovel

Winter Burning

Do your part to prevent spring wildfires by revisiting your winter burns to ensure they are extinguished. If fires aren’t properly put out, they can spread and burn underground, under the snow and ice, all winter. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires.

When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.

For more information on brush pile and windrow safe burning practices click here.

OHV hotspots

Wildfire Prevention

Spring is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused. Please do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.

When riding your off-highway vehicle stop frequently to remove any build up of debris from your machine. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can begin to smoulder and drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire.

FirePermitOnline

*New* Fire Permit Portal

From March 1st to October 31st, a fire permit is required for any type of outdoor burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta with the exception of a campfire for cooking or warming.Fire permits help ensure that when smoke or fire is reported, wildfire officials can determine whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn.

Albertans living or recreating in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.

Fire permits can also still be requested over the phone by calling your local forest area office.

Red Earth/Slave Lake (780) 849-7377

High Prairie (780) 523-6619

Wabasca (780) 891-3860

Wildfire Dashboard

*New* Wildfire Dashboard

The new wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.

wildfire app (2)

Wildfire Information

Download the Alberta Wildfire 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 all on your mobile device.

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.

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