Smoky conditions will 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.
For today, temperatures are expected to be 15-18 degrees and relative humidity will be 40 percent. In the Red Earth area, the winds will be from the northwest at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour, with gusts of 35 kilometres per hour. In the Swan Hills area, the winds will be from the west at a speed of 20 kilometres per hour, gusting to 40 kilometres per hour. There is a moderate chance of lightning with scattered showers for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area this afternoon and overnight.
FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
A fire restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area of the Slave Lake Forest Area.
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
Attention Aircraft Pilots
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
SWF091 was discovered last night in the southwest area of the Slave Lake Forest Area. This fire was caused by lightning and extinguished at 0.01 hectares.
SWF089 located approximately 23 kilometres north east of Trout Lake is under control. This wildfire burned 0.5 hectares and the caused is under investigation.
Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 90 wildfires which have burned 375,880.17 hectares.
Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 565 wildfires which burned 1,197,004.16 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.
Saulteaux and Grizzly Complexes
Last night an infrared scan was conducted on SWF057 and parts of SWF063. The infrared scan identifies locations of the ground fires. The locations are then passed onto the firefighters so they can focus their efforts on extinguishing the ground fires.
Yesterday and last night brought some much needed rain to the fires. today will be similar with cold and rainy conditions. Crews are working on ground fires and mop up in readiness for the warm temperatures being forecasted later in the week.
There are a total of 84 firefighters, 89 heavy equipment operators, 35 support staff, 16 aircraft and 68 pieces of heavy equipment working on these wildfires.
Firefighters and their equipment being transported to the fireline on the Grizzly Complex by helicopter.
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 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 39.4 hectares and SWF087 is 1,036 hectares.
Structure protection equipment has been removed from the Old Smith Highway, if needed it can be redeployed. Heavy equipment has completed a fire guard around the north end and east side of SWF086.
Yesterday, firefighters reported that there was very limited fire activity on the Saulteaux Complex wildfires. Firefighters with water trucks continue to patrol for and extinguish ground fires.
Saulteaux Complex - public map
Grizzly Complex - SWF057, SWF063, SWF064
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.
Heavy equipment has completed fire guard along the southwest end of the wildfire from Swan River to Highway 33.
Yesterday, firefighters reported that there was very limited fire activity on SWF057. Firefighters continue to extinguish ground fires along Highway 33, the southeast and northern end of the wildfire. Firefighters are monitoring the east side by aircraft.
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 and in the Banana Belt Area. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard on the east and northwest side of the wildfire.
Yesterday, due to the warm and dry conditions, there were two small areas showing increased fire activity. Helicopters with buckets were used to knock down the flames and stop the spread.
SWF-064 is located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills. Accurate measurements of the wildfires were conducted and SWF064 and SWF063 are not connected. SWF064 is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 40,060 hectares. Helicopters with buckets are available to action any smokes as they occur. Heavy equipment continues to build a fire guard around the north end of the wildfire.
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 your safety 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.
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
Nipisi Complex - SWF060
SW060 is located 2.3 kilometres east of the border of the Whitefish Lake First Nation. SWF060 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.
SWF060 has not experienced growth over the past several days. Overall, the fire behavior has been reduced to smouldering ground fire and low open flame. In the heat of the afternoon, flare ups are occurring in the northern end of the wildfire. Helicopters with buckets action the flare ups while firefighters continue to extinguish smouldering ground fires along the northern and eastern edges of the wildfire.
On June 2, an infrared scan was conducted on SWF060. The infrared scan identifies ground fires and hotspots on the wildfire. The locations are then passed on to firefighters who will focus efforts on extinguishing the ground fires.
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 Kyle Macorig by emailing wf.swf0812023-iof.i@gov.ab.ca
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.
Learn about wildfires and what you can do to be prepared. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx
Visit https://511.alberta.ca for the latest information on road closures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.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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