Wildfire danger
A VERY HIGH wildfire danger persists for areas north of Utikuma Lake. Areas south of Utikuma Lake are receiving rain and the wildfire danger is LOW.
To view the wildfire danger map click here.
In areas that have not received rain the conditions are dry and a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the forested areas.Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Weather
Rain showers are expected to continue into early morning hours for areas south of Utikuma Lake. There is a chance of rain for areas to the north.
On Alert
Over the coming days, we may see some new wildfires because of the lightning that has occurred in the area. Fire lookouts are watching for smoke while firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Wildfire update - June 27, 2020- 4:00 pm
There have been no new wildfires detected today.
Since March 1 in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 40 wildfires which have burned a total of 264.22 hectares.
The McMillan Wildfire which occurred during the 2019 wildfire season, remains under control and will be infrared scanned.
For information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
Fire advisory in effect
A fire advisory is in effect for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.This fire advisory will reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in Alberta, while allowing Albertans to enjoy outdoor activities as much as possible.
Allowed:
- safe wood campfires
- backyard fire pits
- charcoal briquette barbecues
- use of propane, natural gas or powered appliance
- catalytic or infrared-style heaters
- safe burning with a fire permit
- recreational off-highway vehicle use
Prohibited:
- burning (excluding campfires) without a permit
- unattended or unsafe campfires
Restrictions can be phased back in as necessary to address wildfire risk area-by-area. Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for information.
Fire permit
In the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, a fire permit is required for all types of burning, except for a cooking or warming fire. Please note that fire permits may not be issued as usual under a fire advisory.
To request your free fire permit call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office.
Slave Lake/Red Earth/Peerless/Trout 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 fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a fire permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.
When riding off-highway vehicles in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:
- OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
- Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
- Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.
Firefighters thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfires.
Unless conditions change you can expect your next wildfire update on June 29th.
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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