Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update - August 29, 2021

Posted on Sun, Aug 29, 2021

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Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger remains VERY HIGH for the northern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area. Rain is in the forecast for areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake this evening. The wildfire danger will be reduced to low - moderate for areas that receive rain.

Until rain is on the ground conditions do remain dry and a fire will ignite easily. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution while working or recreating in the forested areas anreport wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

wildfire danger August 30

Wildfire Situation

There have been no new wildfires in the last 24 hours

Wildfires of Note

SWF099 located 23 kilometres northeast of Chipewyan Lake is being held. Being held means under the current weather conditions and with the firefighting efforts that have been applied the wildfire is not expected to grow past predetermined boundaries.

The wildfire has experienced some growth over the past few days. The wildfire remains within the predetermined boundary and firefighters are routinely monitoring it. The last updated size was 5,960 hectares.

Since this wildfire occurs in a zone where it does not threaten communities or resources it is allowed to burn onto the landscape naturally under the watchful eye of experienced fire managers. Using this wildfire management strategy has many benefits; it re-introduces fire onto the landscape, creates a break in the continuous fuels, reduces the intensity of the fire providing safety zones for our firefighting crews to work from and reduces the cost of fighting these wildfires.

Click here to view map of SWF099.

SWF079, 083, and 114 are all under control and firefighters are routinely monitoring these wildfires.

To view the wildfires on a map click here.

Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 152 wildfires which have burned 6,288.22 hectares.

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

On Alert

Firefighters anticipate new wildfire starts due to the expected lightning activity. Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are ready to respond.

Weather

The forecast is calling for a high of 18 degrees and winds from the northeast at 20 kilometres per hour. Isolated thundershowers are expected. The risk of lightning is moderate to high and with the passage of thundershowers the winds can become strong and gusty.

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 of 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.

Do your part to prevent wildfires

Photo: SWF091 Abandoned campfire found at a day use area north of Slave Lake. 

On the afternoon of Sunday July 11th an off-duty firefighter found an abandoned campfire in a day use area north of Slave Lake. 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.
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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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

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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 August 30th, 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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