Slave Lake Area Update

During times of low to moderate wildfire danger, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on March 27th. If you have any questions in the meantime, please call the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Information Officer at 780-849-0945.

Wildfire danger

Recent snow has reduced the wildfire danger to LOW in the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

If you have conducted burning this winter, take the time to go back and ensure the fires are completely extinguished. Due to the dry conditions we have been facing, there is a heighten risk of holdover fires. This means a fire left smouldering can persist underground and flare up into a wildfire when conditions become favorable, such as during warm and windy weather.

Weather

A light amount of snow is in the forecast for tonight and Thursday, while temperatures are expected to remain near seasonal for the next several days.

 

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area.

 

Under this advisory:

• Existing fire permits are valid. Permit holder must follow the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
• New fire permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning such as machine-piled brush piles and windrows.
• New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans. 

Current wildfire situation 

  

Fire permits are required

From now until 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 can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online.You may also request your fire permit by calling your local Forestry Office.

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619   

Fire permit holders, please remember to check the weather forecast before initiating any burning activities. This precaution ensures that you'll adhere to the safe burning conditions outlined on your fire permit.

Go back and check your winter burns

Now’s the time to go back and check on any winter burn projects to make sure they are fully extinguished.When revisiting your winter burn site you should spread the remaining ashes and debris. Check the ground for any hotspots with your bare hands and feel deep below the surface for any lingering ground fire. Douse the area to fully extinguish the burn and stir up ashes with heavy equipment or hand tools. A fire is not fully out until the area is cold to the touch.  If your winter burn remains active, promptly contact your local Forestry Office to request a fire permit.

For information on brush pile and windrow safe burning practices click here.

FireSmart Alberta

 

 

We're hiring

Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We are currently hiring for Wildfire Crew Members and Leaders. Click here to apply.

Junior Forest Rangers 

Do you know an Albertan high school student between the ages 16-18 who is interested in forestry, wildfire, outdoor leadership, and more? We are accepting applications for 2024 JFR Crew Members. Click here to apply. Deadline for applications is April 1st.

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.