Slave Lake Area Update

 

Wildfire Danger

 

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is MODERATE. For areas around High Prairie, Red Earth Creek and Chipewyan Lake, the wildfire danger is HIGH.

 

T he wildfire danger will continue to climb with warm temperatures expected over the next several days. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when recreating or working in the outdoors and to report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

 

Weather 

For today the temperature is expected to be 25-27 degrees with relative humidity of 30-40 percent. The winds will be from the southwest 15 kilometers per hour switching to northwest 15 kilometres per hour. There is a chance of scattered showers with lightning. 

 

On Alert

 

With the expected lightning, we may see new wildfire starts. Fire lookouts are constantly watching for smoke. Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

 

Smoky Conditions

Due to wildfire activity in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, smoky conditions may persist in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. 

  

  

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction remains in effect for the northwest portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Under the fire restriction, safe wood campfires are allowed in campgrounds and in backyards.

In areas where the fire restriction has been lifted, new fire permits can be requested and if you have a valid fire permit you may commence with burning as per the conditions on the fire permit.

Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for a map of the affected areas and more details. If you have questions about the fire restriction, please call 1-866-394-3473.

 

 

 

Wildfire Situation 

There have been no new wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area since June 30th.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 115 wildfires which have burned 407,255.38 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 796 wildfires which burned 1,517,244.96 hectares. 

Grizzly/Saulteaux Complex

The wildfires in the Saulteaux Complex (SWF 085, SWF086 and SWF087) and Grizzly Complex (SWF057, SWF063, SWF064 and SWF095) are all under control. There are 41 firefighters with six helicopters patrolling for ground fires and eight dozer groups performing reclamation of fire guards and helipads.

SWF112 occurred on June 29 and is located approximately 83 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. Firefighters declared this wildfire extinguished yesterday afternoon.

SWF103 occurred on June 21 and is located 30 kilometres northeast of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is being held and has burned 40.5 hectares. There are 25 firefighters and four helicopters working on the wildfire.

SWF068 is located approximately six kilometres northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement. Firefighting operations are being conducted by the Peace River Forest Area. For information on this wildfire visit the Peace River Wildfire Update. If you have any questions regarding SWF068 please contact Wildfire Information Officer Michelle Huley by calling 780-618-2081 or by email michelle.huley@gov.ab.ca

SW060 is located 2.3 kilometres east of the border of the Whitefish Lake First Nation. This wildfire is being held and has burned approximately 43,981 hectares. Being held means with the current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. There are 25 firefighters with two helicopters patrolling for ground fires.

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

NOTE: The wildfire perimeter is an estimate based on measurements such as GPS, aerial scanning and satellite imagery. This estimated perimeter can change as more accurate measurements become available. Areas within the fire perimeter may not have been affected by wildfire.

Fire Permits 

From March 1 to 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 are now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca for information on how to make a request online.

Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local Forestry Office.

• Wabasca 780-891-3860
• Slave Lake 780-849-7377
• High Prairie 780-523-6619  

Do your part and 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.

FireSmart

Visit firesmartcanada.ca to learn how you can reduce the risk of wildfire to your home, property and neighborhood.

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.