Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 10, 2023 - Fire Ban

Posted on Wed, May 10, 2023

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Wildfire Danger
 
The wildfire danger has climbed to HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area for May 10th.
 
With the return of warm temperatures, firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution and to report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
 
A Fire Ban and OHV Restriction is in effect.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weather
 
For today, temperatures are expected to 16-21 degrees and winds will be light from the northwest 10 kilometres per hour.
 
 

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DO NOT FLY DRONES NEAR WILDFIRES

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

SWF063 Firefighter working with nodwell to extinguish hotspots on SWF063.

Wildfire Situation

Yesterday afternoon, firefighters reported an increase in fire activity on the wildfires.

Grizzly Complex–SWF063, SWF064, and SWF057

SWF063 located south of High Prairie did experience some fire activity on the north end of the wildfire inside the perimeter. The area was actioned by helicopters bucketing.The fire guard has been completed on the northwest side of the wildfire. Firefighters with nodwells are working hotspots in around the East Prairie Metis Settlement and on the north end of the wildfire at range road 170A and highway 749.  Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard around the east side of the wildfire. 

There are 22 firefighters, four heavy equipment groups and six helicopters working on the wildfire.

SWF057 is located on the southwest side Grizzly Ridge Wildland Provincial Park. Yesterday afternoon the wildfire did experience growth on the south end of the wildfire. Airtankers were able to lay lines of retardant around the excursion and it did not cross Highway 33. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard along west to south side of the wildfire and firefighters continue to secure the guard by extinguishing the wildfire's perimeter. There are ten firefighters, three equipment groups and seven helicopters working on the wildfire.

There is a 200 person camp being assembled to support the Grizzly complex and an incident team is expected today.

A heavy equipment group is being assembled and on the way for SWF064.

Nipisi Complex-SWF059,SWF060

SW060 is located on the northeast side of Utikuma Lake. The wildfire remains 2.3 kilometres from the border of the Whitefish Lake First Nation. The sprinkler line along the community FireSmart fire guard has been completed

With the north winds yesterday the south perimeter did experience some wildfire activity and airtankers were called to action it. The overall growth of the wildfire was minimal. Helicopters continue to bucket on hotspots on the entire wildfire. Firefighters continue to extinguish the edge of the wildfire on the south end. Heavy equipment will start building fire guard around SWF059 which is located northeast of SWF060.There are 54 firefighters, four heavy equipment groups and eight helicopters working on the wildfire.

Wildfire operations for SWF068 located northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement will be transferred over to the Peace River Forest Area. Today, nIne firefighters will be working to extinguish hot spots on the south end of the wildfire closest to Peavine Metis Settlement. 

 
There were no new wildfire yesterday. 

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 72 wildfires which have burned 143,026.04 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 421 wildfires which burned 410,387.04 hectares. 

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

Alberta Emergency Alert

A provincial state of emergency has been declared for Alberta. Critical alerts and advisories have been 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.

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

For the an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, visit  FIRESMOKE CANADA.

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FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A fire ban and OHV restriction is in effect within the Forest Protection Area due to extreme fire danger.

Under this fire ban:

  • All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
  • No new Fire Permits will be issued

Prohibited:

  • All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
  • Backyard firepits
  • BBQ charcoal briquettes
  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets
  • The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

  • Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
  • Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
  • Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
  • All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
  • Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
  • Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
  • Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire ban 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

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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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Unless conditions change you can expect your next wildfire update on May 11, 2023.

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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