Slave Lake Area Update

 

Wildfire Danger

 

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is HIGH to VERY HIGH. 

 

 

The 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, as under the hot and dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

 

 

Smoky Conditions

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

 

Weather 

For today, the temperature is expected to be 30 degrees with relative humidity of 30 percent. For areas north of Lesser Slave Lake winds will be from the east at 10 kilometres per hour. For areas south of Lesser Slave Lake winds will be from the southwest switching to northeast at 10 kilometres per hour. There is a chance of isolated showers with lightning this afternoon. Near crossover conditions are expected for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behavior.

On Alert

 

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

 

 

Download the Alberta Wildfire app and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. Available for Apple and Android mobile devices.

 

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 were no new wildfires yesterday in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 116 wildfires which have burned 413,690.38 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 822 wildfires which burned 1,549,462.35 hectares. 

SWF116 occurred on July 7th and is located approximately 34 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lake. The lightning caused wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 340 hectares in size. Under the hot and dry conditions yesterday the wildfire did experience growth to the east. Firefighters in helicopters will be monitoring this wildfire.

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. This morning, an aerial infrared scan was conducted on the Grizzly Complex (SWF057, SWF063, SWF064 and SWF095). The infrared scan detected ground fires on SWF064 and SWF057, the locations of the 23 ground fires have been passed on to firefighters and they are working to extinguish them. There are 41 firefighters with six helicopters patrolling for ground fires and eight dozer groups performing reclamation of fire guards and helipads.

SWF103 occurred on June 21 and is located 30 kilometres northeast of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is now under control and has burned 40.5 hectares. There are 25 firefighters and two 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. This morning. an aerial infrared scan was conducted on SWF060 and seven ground fires were detected. The locations of the ground fires have been passed on to firefighters and they are working to extinguish them. There are 25 firefighters with two helicopters working on this wildfire.

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.