Slave Lake Area Update

Current wildfire situation as of 11:30 am Saturday February 24, 2024

Wildland firefighters continue to work to extinguish wildfires started yesterday.  There are 20 additional wildland firefighters enroute to the Slave Lake Forest Area to assist with the firefighting efforts.

Photo:SWF005 February 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Photo: SWF004 February 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

SWF004 is considered as being held (BH) at 214 hectares in size and is located approximately ten kilometres northeast of Snipe Lake. There are five wildland firefighter, two water trucks and a group of heavy equipment working on this wildfire. The wildfire is not threatening homes or communities. 

SWF005 is considered under control (UC) at 3.1 hectares in size and is located approximately 13 kilometres southeast of Kinuso. There are two wildland firefighters, a water truck and heavy equipment working on the wildfire. The wildfire is not threatening homes or communities.

To view the wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

If you have any questions please call the Wildfire Information Officer at 780-516-1347.

Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to MODERATE. 

Fire permit holders must postpone burning as the winds today will exceed the safe burning conditions.

Use caution when working or recreating outdoors as the lack of snow throughout the forest area poses a risk for new wildfire starts.  If you spot a wildfire, report it by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

A fire advisory went into effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area on February 23, 2024 due to strong and gusty winds expected and the abundance of exposed dry vegetation.

Under this advisory:

• Existing fire permits are valid. Permit holder must follow the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
• New fire permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning such as machine-piled brush piles and windrows.
• New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans. 

Wildfire season has started - Fire Permits are required

Alberta’s wildfire season started early this year, on February 20th. The early start is due to the drought conditions occurring in many areas of the province, which could lead to elevated fire danger if we do not receive significant rain in the spring.

Please do your part to help prevent human caused wildfires by using caution in forested areas. Now’s the time to go back and check on any winter burn projects to make sure they are fully extinguished.  If your winter burn remains active promptly contact your local Forestry Office to request a fire permit.

From now until October 31, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online.You may also request your fire permit by calling your local Forestry Office.

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619   

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

FireSmart Alberta

 

 

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Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We hire a variety of positions, and a number of these positions are now available to apply on. Click here to learn more.

The 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.

Download the Alberta Wildfire app 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.