Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- fire advisory in effect -August 26, 2022 at 5:30 pm

At this time, firefighters and a helicopter are fighting a lightning caused wildfire located 3.5 kilometres southwest of Sucker Creek First Nation. The community and highway are not being threatened.

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger will be very high in the Slave Lake Forest Area for August 26th.

The warm and windy weather has caused the forest and grassy areas to become dry. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

On Alert

With recent and expected lightning activity, new wildfire starts may occur. Fire lookouts are on alert watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

Smoky Conditions

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories has drifted 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 as of 4:00 pm August 25th

There have been no new wildfires so far today.

SWF124 located approximately 14 kilometres northeast of Bison Lake is under control. There are 24 firefighters with two helicopters working on the 81.4 hectare wildfire.

SWF116 located approximately 22 kilometres east of Marten Beach is under control. There are nine firefighters with one helicopter working on the 18.7 hectare wildfire.

SWF110,111 and 112 are located approximately 14 kilometres northwest of Peavine. SWF110 and 111 are under control and SWF112 is being held. The sizes are 17.7, 12.9 and 9.9 hectares. There are 25 firefighters with one helicopter working on these wildfires.

SFW078 which started on July 17th is located 35 km northeast of Chipewyan Lake and 100 km northwest of Fort McMurray. The wildfire is under control and firefighters are monitoring it. The wildfire is 1336.9 hectares.

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

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 131 wildfires which have burned 2,044.34 hectares.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 958 wildfires which burned a total of 118,416.41 hectares.

fire advisory wide

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, all fire permits are suspended with the exception of current burn barrel, incinerators, smudges and smoke house permits. New fire permits will not be issued until a significant amount of rain is received. Essential burning will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Prohibited:

• Without a valid fire permit, any burning other than a campfire is prohibited

Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires *

• Backyard fire pits

• Portable propane fire pits

• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues

• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;

c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and

d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

To view a map of the fire advisory area visit www.albertafirebans.ca

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation.

FIREPERMIT

Fire Permits *only essential burning will be considered*

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, firefighters 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 be requested by calling your local Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Office.

Red Earth/Slave Lake (780) 849-7377

High Prairie (780) 523-6619

Wabasca (780) 891-3860

2022 OHV Can cause wildfires Dirt Bike

Prevent Wildfires

In Alberta 49 per cent of wildfires this season have been human caused. Human caused wildfires are preventable. When working or recreating in the outdoors please do your part to prevent wildfires.

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. Always carry firefighting equipment - a shovel, extinguisher and bucket when you ride.

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.

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.

Subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email when new information is posted.

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