Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 12, 2023 - Fire Ban

Posted on Fri, May 12, 2023

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Wildfire Danger
 
The wildfire danger remains VERY HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area  for today.
 
Although we had some rain in the area, the amount is not significant enough to improve the overall dry conditions we have been facing. With the return of extremely warm temperatures and winds expected for the weekend, firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution and to report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
 
Weather
 
For Friday, temperatures are expected to 23-25 degrees and winds will be from the southeast 10-15 kilometres per hour. There is a low risk of lightning in the the afternoon. For Saturday, temperatures are expected to be 25 degrees and winds will be from the south/southeast gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour.
 

On Alert

With the recent lightning, we may see new wildfire starts especially lightning holdovers in the days to come. 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.
Click here to view the lightning map.
 
Wildfire danger May 12
 
 
 
Fire Ban banner

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.

The fire ban and ohv restriction 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

Questions about the Fire Ban or OHV Restriction call 1-866-394-3473

 

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

Ontario Incident Command Team and firefighters have arrived for the Grizzly Complex.

Wildfire Situation

Grizzly Complex – SWF057, SWF063, SWF064

The wildfires did not experience any significant growth and fire intensity was reduced due to some isolated showers that passed over SWF057 and SWF063 yesterday afternoon. A 20 person Incident Management Team and 40 firefighters arrived from Ontario and are being deployed on the wildfires today. 

SWF-057 is located approximately 26 kilometres south of Kinuso and over 30 kilometers southwest of the Town of Slave Lake, is classified as out of control and has burned an estimated 8,337 hectares. Firefighters and helicopter bucket support focused on putting up a guard on the south west portion of the fire (90% complete in this area), and will finish today. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard along the west to south side of the wildfire and firefighters continue to secure the guard by extinguishing the wildfire’s perimeter while helicopters are bucketing on flare ups. This guard is approximately 90% complete in this area and expected to be completed today. Firefighters have placed over 3000 feet of hose along this section. There has been approx. 2km of fire retardant line placed along the ridge on the South East side (by Hwy 33). There are ten firefighters and two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire. There are 13 helicopters assigned to the Grizzly complex as well.

SWF-063 is located approximately seven kilometers south of High Prairie is classified as burning out of control and has burned an estimated 69,074 hectares. Firefighters and helicopters worked in the northeast portion of the wildfire to extinguish a slash pile fire in the Banana Belt area. Firefighters with nodwells and helicopters are working on flare ups and hot spots around the community of East Prairie Metis Settlement. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard around the east side of the wildfire and helicopters continue to hit hotspots with buckets. There are 30 firefighters and four heavy equipment groups  working on this wildfire.There are 13 helicopters assigned to the Grizzly complex as well.

SWF-064 is located over 40 kilometers south of the Town of High Prairie, is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 22,398 hectares. A heavy equipment group continues to build fire guard around the north west portion of the wildfire.

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

Nipisi Complex-SWF059,SWF060

SW060 located 2.3 kilometres east of the border of the Whitefish Lake First Nation is classified as burning out of control and has burned approximately 16,680 hectares.The southwest end of the wildfire closest to the Whitefish Lake First Nation Community border did not experience any increase in fire activity and firefighters have sprinkler lines set up along the community FireSmart fire guard located north of the community. Helicopter continues to bucket on hotspots on the entire wildfire and firefighters are working to extinguish the edge of the wildfire on the south end. 

SWF059 located over 24 kilometres northeast of the White Fish Lake First Nation border is classified as burning out of control and has burned approximately 1,036 hectares. Heavy equipment will begin to build fire guard around the wildfire today.

There are 64 firefighters, three heavy equipment groups and 10 helicopters working on the Nipisi Complex.

Wildfire operations for SWF068 located approximately nine kilometres northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement has been transferred over to the Peace River Forest Area. For information on this wildfire visit the  Peace River Wildfire Update.

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

There were two new wildfires yesterday. Firefighters responded and both small wildfires were contained quickly. 

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 75 wildfires which have burned 158,036.18 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 435 wildfires which burned 445,919.74 hectares. 

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.

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.

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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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 13, 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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