Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 1, 2023 12:00 pm

Posted on Thu, Jun 01, 2023

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Wildfire Danger
 
The wildfire danger remains VERY HIGH for the northern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area. Areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake have received rain and the fire danger has been reduced.
 
There have been some scattered showers passing through the area. However, the amount of rain will not be enough to improve the dry conditions for the long term. Very warm temperatures are expected to return in the coming days. The Fire Restriction remains in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca
 
Firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution as a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly under  dry and windy conditions.
 
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
 
Weather 

For today, temperatures are expected to be 17-19 degrees and relative humidity will be 20 to 30 percent. The winds will be from the west/northwest at a speed of 10-15 kilometres per hour. There is a moderate chance of lightning with isolated showers expected today.

On Alert
 
With the recent and expected lightning, we may see new wildfire starts in the days to come. Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke. Firefighters in helicopters, various pieces of heavy equipment and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
 
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Fire Restriction banner

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area of the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for a map of the affected areas and details.
 

Under this fire restriction: 

  • Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued

  • Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed

  • Essential burning may be allowed with written permission from a forest officer

Allowed:

  • Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) on private lands and in provincial or private campgrounds

  • Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques

  • Propane/natural gas-powered appliances 

  • Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor

  • Cooking, warming and lighting devices - all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer's standards

Prohibited:

  • All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas

  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation. To view a map of the affected area, visit www.albertafirebans.ca If you have questions about the fire restrictions, please call 1-866-394-3473.

The OHV ban has been removed at this time for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Please use caution when recreating. Always carry firefighting equipment with you (fire extinguisher), a water pail and shovel. Avoid idling on dry grass. 

 
Do not fly drones near wildfires

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The use of recreational drones over wildfires in Alberta is dangerous, illegal and could result in a fine of up to $15,000* for putting aircraft and people at risk. Please give Alberta firefighters the space they need to do their jobs safely.

*according to Transport Canada

NOTAM

Aircraft pilots are reminded to check NOTAMs before flying into areas with active wildfires. Flying into a NOTAM area without prior authorization will cause disruption to aerial firefighting. 

Wildfire Situation 

In the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been no new wildfires since May 28th. 

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 88 wildfires which have burned 375,879.57 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 555 wildfires which burned 1,122,493.08 hectares. 

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.

Safety briefing on the Grizzly/Saulteaux Complex. Firefighters and members of the Incident Management Team working on these wildfires are from Australia, New Zealand, Alberta and the United States.

Saulteaux and Grizzly Complexes

Over the past four days, all wildfires in the Grizzly and Saulteaux Complexes have not experienced growth. Yesterday afternoon, light rain fell over most of the wildfires. The rainy and cool weather conditions are giving firefighters and heavy equipment an opportunity to establish and reinforce fire guards and extinguish smouldering ground fires.

There are a total of 98 firefighters, 89 heavy equipment operators, 44 support staff, 14 aircraft and 68 pieces of heavy equipment working on these wildfires.

If you have any question regarding the Saulteaux or Grizzly Complexes please contact Wildfire Information Officer Bianca Callinan by email wf.scx0012023-iof.i@gov.ab.ca

Saulteaux Complex – SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087 

SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087 are located approximately five kilometres northwest of Smith and 30 kilometres east of the Town of Slave Lake.SWF085 is now under control. SWF086 and SWF087 are being held. Being held means with the current weather conditions and resources, these wildfires are not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.The sizes of these wildfires are as follows; SWF086 is 4,742 hectares, SWF085 is 39 hectares and SWF087 is 1,036 hectares.

Structure protection equipment has been removed from the Old Smith Highway, if needed it can be redeployed. Wildland firefighters with water trucks continue to work patrolling for and extinguishing ground fires in the area.

Firefighters are working along the wildfire perimeter extinguishing ground fires with pump and hose around residents’ homes along the Old Smith Highway when needed. Heavy equipment has established guard all around the north end of the wildfire boundary. 

Smoke may be visible from areas within the interior of the wildfire and along the perimeters. Firefighters and helicopters will be working on these areas. Heavy equipment has completed a fire guard from the southwest to the southeast and they continue to move to the north. 

Saulteaux Complex - public map

Grizzly Complex - SWF057, SWF063, SWF064 

On May 30th, an infrared aerial scan was conducted on the Grizzly Complex wildfires. The infrared scan identifies ground fires and their locations. The locations of the ground fires have been passed on to firefighters and their efforts are focused on extinguishing these areas.

SWF-057 is located approximately 26 kilometers south of Kinuso and over 30 kilometers southwest of the Town of Slave Lake. The wildfire is classified as out of control and has burned an estimated 16,728 hectares.

Firefighters continue to extinguish ground fires along Highway 33, the southeast and northern perimeter of the wildfire. Smoke will continue to be visible from areas within the wildfire perimeter. Heavy equipment remains onsite and will be deployed if needed.

SWF-063 is located approximately seven kilometers south of High Prairie and sixteen kilometers northwest of Swan Hills. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and has burned an estimated 123,670 hectares.

Firefighters are working to extinguish ground fires in East Prairie Metis Settlement. Heavy equipment will continue to build fire guard on the east side of the wildfire heading north towards High Prairie.

Smoke will continue to be visible within East Prairie Metis Settlement and on the east side of the wildfire. Helicopters with buckets will action any flare-ups as they occur, and firefighters are working to extinguish areas of ground fire.

SWF-064 is located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills. The wildfire is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 40,060 hectares. This wildfire has connected to SWF-063 to the north. Helicopters with buckets will action any flare-ups along the wildfire perimeter as they occur.  

Grizzly Complex - public map

Re-entry Information for Residents

We ask that residents stay out of areas that have been burned by the wildfires in the area. Wildfires will make the root systems of trees weak, and any amount of wind will affect the trees in the area. Falling trees will be an ongoing hazard and for residents’ safety you should avoid the burned-out areas.

Firefighters will be actively working on and around properties extinguishing hotspots, please give them the space they need to work.

There may be structure protection equipment on homes and infrastructure in the area. We ask that you do not move the equipment as it is in place to protect buildings on your property.

Helicopter heading out to bucket on hotspots on the Nipisi Complex.

Nipisi Complex - SWF059, SWF060, SWF083 

SW060 has combined with SW059 and is located 2.3 kilometres east of the border of the Whitefish Lake First Nation. This wildfire complex is being held and has burned approximately 43,981 hectares. 

SWF083 located on the east side of Muskwa Lake has been extinguished.

Yesterday a small amount of rain was received on SWF060. Overall the fire behavior continues to be reduced however there were many smokes visible in the afternoon and some flare-ups.  Helicopters with buckets actioned the flare ups and firefighters were extinguishing smouldering ground fires along the northern and eastern edges of the wildfire. Heavy equipment continues to work on reclamation of the fire guard on the south end of the wildfire.

Both SWF060 and SWF083 did not experience any growth yesterday. Today, firefighters and helicopters will continue to action flare-ups and extinguish ground fires.

On the Nipisi Complex, there are 69 firefighters, nine helicopters, two heavy equipment groups and various pieces of heavy equipment for water delivery and moving equipment and firefighters.
 
Nipisi Complex - public map
 
If you have any questions regarding the Nipisi Complex please contact Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
 
SWF081 located at Chipewyan Lake is classified as burning out of control and is an estimated 20,082 hectares. To view the most recent map of SWF081, click here.

Wildfire operations are being conducted by the Fort McMurray Forest Area. For information on SWF081 visit the Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update.

For evacuation information for Chipewyan Lakes and surrounding area. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx.

If you have any questions about SWF081 please contact Wildfire Information Officer Emily Smith at 780-799-9253.

 
The Kimiwan Complex - SWF068 and PWF038 

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 these wildfires visit the Peace River Wildfire Update.

If you have any questions regarding SWF068 please contact Wildfire Information Officer Michelle Huley 780-618-2081.

 

Alberta Emergency Alert - Wikipedia

 

Alberta Emergency Alert

A provincial state of emergency has been declared for Alberta. Critical alerts and advisories have been and could be issued for communities around active wildfires. Visit http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for details. Albertans who require assistance can also call 310-4455 for evacuation related information.

Be Prepared

Learn about wildfires and what you can do to be prepared. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx

511 Alberta (@511Alberta) / Twitter
 
Road Closures

Visit https://511.alberta.ca for the latest information on road closures.

Travel not recommended on side roads around active wildfires

For your safety, travel on side roads around active wildfires is not recommended. Not only are there active fires in these areas there are also firefighting operations that could be delayed by your presence. Firefighters appreciate your cooperation.

Smoky Conditions

Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling check www.511.Alberta.ca for information the latest road conditions or closures. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from.

Volunteer Information

Volunteers, equipment owners/operators or firefighters looking to assist with these wildfires or any of the wildfires within the province, please contact EmergencySupportOffers@gov.ab.ca.

OHV hotspots

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.

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Wildfire Information

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 today 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.

Join the conversation on FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

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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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