Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 1, 2023

Posted on Mon, May 01, 2023

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Wildfire Danger
 
The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
 
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under the dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly under windy conditions. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
 
Crossover conditions are also expected today. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behavior.
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On Alert
 
Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, various pieces of heavy equipment and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
 
Wildfire Situation

Wildland firefighters and local fire departments responded to five new wildfires yesterday. All five were quickly contained. It was determined that one of the wildfires was caused by winter burning.

Firefighters want to remind everyone who conducted winter burning to go back and ensure your fires are extinguished. A holdover from winter burning may re-emerge as a wildfire under the dry and windy conditions we are facing this spring.

Currently in the Slave Lake Forest Area four wildfires are under control and 48 have been extinguished.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 52 wildfires which have burned 85.46 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 255 wildfires which burned 853.47 hectares. 

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

Fire Advisory 2

A fire advisory is now in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Under this advisory:

  • Existing fire permits are still valid but may be suspended or cancelled if dry conditions continue
  • No new fire permits will be issued for non-essential burning (windrows, machine piled brush piles, and related burning activities)
  • All other fire permits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

 Prohibited:

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

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work-related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry fuels to ignite into a wildfire and spread easily.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation.

Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

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Prevent Wildfires

Spring is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused. Please remember to 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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Fire Permits 

From March 1 to 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 are now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca for information on how to make a request online.

Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your Slave Lake Forest Area Office.

  • Wabasca 780-891-3860
  • Slave Lake 780-849-7377
  • High Prairie 780-523-6619  

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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 2, 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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