Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 6, 2023 3:00 pm

Posted on Tue, Jun 06, 2023

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Smoky Conditions

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.

 Wildfire Danger
 
The wildfire danger for the majority of the Slave Lake Forest Area is MODERATE. 
 
With the recent rain we are seeing some relief, however extremely 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 and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
 
Weather 

For today, temperatures are expected to be 21-22 degrees and relative humidity will be 30 percent. In the Red Earth area, the winds will be from the southwest at a speed of 15-25 kilometres per hour, with gusts of 45 kilometres per hour. 

On Alert
 
With the high chance of lightning today, we may see new wildfire starts. Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke. Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
 
 
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. If you have questions about the fire restrictions, please call 1-866-394-3473.
 
 
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation. 
 
The use of off-highway vehicles is allowed. Please use caution when recreating. Always carry firefighting equipment with you (fire extinguisher), a water pail and shovel and stop frequently to clear debris that has built up on your machine's muffler.
 
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

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 

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 92 wildfires which have burned 379,195.10 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 588 wildfires which burned 1,201,215.82 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

On the 3rd 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.

The last two days have brought some much needed rain to the fires.  Today we are back to warmer weather and crew continue 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, 59 heavy equipment operators, 34 support staff, 16 aircraft and 68 pieces of heavy equipment working on these wildfires.

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 with 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.

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.

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.

Recent rain has reduced the fire activity to smouldering ground fire on SWF060. Firefighters with water delivery vehicles continue to work on extinguishing smouldering ground fires on the north side of the wildfire.

On the Nipisi Complex, there are 50 firefighters, six 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 being held 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 Kyle Macorig by emailing wf.swf0812023-iof.i@gov.ab.ca

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
 
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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