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.
On Alert
Alberta Emergency Alert
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.
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
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
NOTE: The wildfire perimeter is an estimate based on measurements such as GPS, aerial scanning and satellite imagery. This estimated perimeter can change as more accurate measurements become available. Areas within the fire perimeter may not have been affected by wildfire.
Firefighting will continue to be challenging on all out of control wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area as fire behaviour will increase due to hot, dry and windy conditions. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are focusing on all critical areas of these wildfires.
Grizzly Complex – SWF057, SWF063, SWF064
The hot, dry and windy conditions today resulted in increased fire behavior across all wildfires in the Grizzly Complex. In total there are 88 firefighters,14 helicopters and six heavy equipment groups working on the Grizzly complex wildfires.
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. There was increased fire activity today on the south side of the wildfire due to the strong and gusty winds from the northwest. The growth was not significant. Firefighters with helicopters are working on the active area and heavy equipment is working to build fire guard. Firefighters with nodwells continue to work along the highway 33 to extinguish hotspots. There are 29 firefighters and two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.
SWF-063 located approximately seven kilometers south of High Prairie and approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Swan Hills is classified as burning out of control and has burned an estimated 69,074 hectares. Due to winds from the northwest, the wildfire did experience some growth to the southeast. In the late afternoon, smoke suppressed the fire intensity. Firefighters are assessing ignition opportunities to create fire guards. Firefighters continued to work in areas around and within the East Prairie Metis Settlement and on the north side of the wildfire in the rural areas near the community of High Prairie. There are 50 firefighters and two heavy equipment groups 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 22,222 hectares. Smoky conditions prevented firefighters from observing the wildfire today and all firefighting efforts were focused on SWF063 and SWF057. There are two heavy equipment groups working on this wildfire.
Nipisi Complex-SWF059,SWF060
Due to the hot, dry and windy conditions today there was increase fire behavior on the wildfires in the Nipisi Complex. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment continue to action hotspots and flare ups, as well as building fire guards in critical areas.
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 continued to hold and firefighters have sprinkler lines set up along the community FireSmart fire guard located north of the community. SWF059 and SWF060 have joined at the north end. 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.
There are 66 firefighters, four heavy equipment groups and 14 helicopters working on these wildfires.
SWF068 located approximately six kilometres northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement. Firefighting operations are being conducted by the Peace River Forest Area. For more information on this wildfire visit the Peace River Wildfire Update.
Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 86 wildfires which have burned 211,168.62 hectares.
Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 478 wildfires which burned 622,738.34 hectares.
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
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.
FIRE BAN AND OHV RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
A fire ban and off-highway vehicle 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 off-highway vehicle 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
If you have questions about the Fire Ban or OHV Restriction please call 1-866-394-3473.
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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.Unless conditions change you can expect your next wildfire update on May 17, 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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