With the recent cold weather, and forecasted rain/snow, the Slave Lake wildfire management area (SLWMA) has downgraded the wildfire hazard to moderate. When the weather isn't pelting us with rain and snow, long grass and other fine fuels are extremely succeptible to wildfire. These fuels will ignite readily and spread rapidly which is why, even with these spring showers, we have a moderate wildfire hazard. If you are out and about and happen to spot smoke or wildfire, the number to call immediately is 310-FIRE (3473).
This is the perfect time of year for Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) to execute our hazard reduction burning. Our crews, in conjunction with municipal fire departments, have been working tirelessly to complete our hazard reduction burning in the SLWMA. Hazard reduction burning does just as it suggests, reduces wildfire hazard. So, these areas of long, dry grass and fine fuels that pose the biggest threat to communities are carfeully evaluated, a plan is built outlining exactly what needs to be completed in the safest possible way, and the perscribed wildfire is executed by professionals. This year, conditions have been ideal for these types of perscribed fires, which allows our firefighters to gain valuable, continued knowledge of wildfire behaviour and gives our rookie members much needed proficiency practice.
Fire permits are now mandatory for any burning that is not a campfire in the Forest Protection Area; to obtain a FREE fire permit and information regarding safe burning practices please contact your local Environment and Sustainable Resource Development office at:
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Slave Lake: 780.849.7377
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Wabasca: 780.891.3860
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High Prairie: 789.523.6619
2014 PROVINCIAL STATS (5 May 2014)
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In the last 24 hours there have been five new wildfires. None of which are in the SLWMA
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Alberta currently has 16 wildfires inside the Forest Protection Area.
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One is being held, six are under control and nine have been turned over to the responsible party.
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Since April 1, 2014, Alberta has recorded 117 new wildfires, which have burned 390.77 hectares.
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If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please contact:
Joseph A. Gorzeman
Wildfire Information Officer
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
O: 780.849.7422
C: 780.849.0945
joe.gorzeman@gov.ab.ca