Slave Lake Area Update

We have firefighters in aircraft working on the out of control wildfires and fire lookouts watching for smoke. While we always appreciate people calling in to report wildfires, the large volume of calls we are currently receiving is diverting our resources away from fighting wildfires. As always, please still call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or flame that looks new and potentially unreported, but assume that large columns of smoke and burned over areas have already been detected and reported.

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

Wildfire Situation

On all out of control wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area firefighting will be challenging as fire behaviour will be increased due to hot, dry and windy conditions. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are focusing on all critical areas of these wildfires.

A provincial state of emergency has been declared for Alberta. 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.

Grizzly Complex – SWF057, SWF063, SWF064

The hot, dry conditions resulted in increased fire behavior across all wildfires in the Grizzly Complex. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are actioning hotspots and flare ups, as well as building fire guards in critical areas. There are 68 firefighters,13 helicopters and five heavy equipment groups working on these wildfires. An additional 20 firefighters from the USA are expected to arrive today.

SWF-057 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 8,136 hectares. Terrain is challenging for the sections of this wildfire, with steep ridges making access difficult for firefighters and heavy equipment. There was increased fire activity observed yesterday, overall the wildfire held well. Airtankers laid retardant lines on the north end and firefighters worked on the south, south-east portion of the wildfire with helicopter bucket support on perimeter. 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. There are 28 firefighters and two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.

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. There were excursions from the wildfire's perimeter yesterday and flare-ups resulting from increased fire behaviour, these were primarily on the northwest portion of the wildfire and in the East Prairie Metis Settlement and in the Banana Belt areas. Firefighters and helicopters bucketing worked on the areas of flare up, heavy equipment is re-establishing the fire guard and airtankers have laid retardant on the south end of the wildfire. There are 29 firefighters and two heavy equipment groups are working on this wildfire.

SWF-064 is located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills, is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 22,398 hectares. Heavy equipment groups continue to build fire guard around the northwest portion of the wildfire. There are three heavy equipment groups are working on this fire.

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

Nipisi Complex-SWF059,SWF060

As a result of the hot and windy conditions an increase in fire behavior and growth towards the north and east occurred on the Nipisi Complex wildfires yesterday. Smoke was and will continue to be visible for the communities in the area. There are 66 firefighters, four heavy equipment groups and 12 helicopters working on these wildfires.

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 16,688 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. Yesterday the wildfire did experience some growth on the northeast side of the wildfire towards SWF059. 

SWF059 located over 24 kilometres northeast of the Whitefish Lake First Nation border is classified as burning out of control and has burned approximately 1,036 hectares. The wildfire was active on the extreme northern side of the wildfire.

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

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 three new wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. SWF077 located 33 kilometres north east of Wabasca is classified as out of control. Airtankers were able to surround the wildfire with retardant and eight firefighters with two helicopters continue to fight the wildfire. It is 4.2 hecatres in size and is not spreading at this time. SWF077 is located 6.4 kilometres northeast of Driftpile Cree Nation. The wildfire is under control and firefighters are working to extinguish it. SWF078 located in Winagami Lake Provincial Park. The wildfire is being held at 0.01 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 78 wildfires which have burned 158,040.57 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 451 wildfires which burned 519,804.26 hectares.