For today, temperatures are expected to be 17-19 degrees and relative humidity will be 40 percent. The winds will be from the northeast at 10 kilometers per hour. There is a low to moderate chance of lightning today.
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
NOTAM
Aircraft pilots are reminded to check NOTAMs before flying into areas with active wildfires. Flying into a NOTAM area without prior authorization will cause disruption to aerial firefighting.
Wildfire Situation
The recent rain is helping firefighters make good progress on all wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Firefighters are reporting that 30 to 60 millimetres of rain was received on all wildfires over the last few days and the fire behavior has been reduced to smouldering ground fires at this time but could pick-up as we head into the weekend with warmer temperatures.
SWF081 located at Chipewyan Lake is classified as burning out of control and is an estimated 19,499 hectares. Wildfire operations are being conducted by the Fort McMurray Forest Area. For information visit the Fort McMurray Forest Area Wildfire Update. If you have any questions regarding SWF081 please contact Wildfire Information Officer Emily Smith at 780-799-9253.
For evacuation information for Chipewyan Lakes and surrounding area. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx
Saulteaux Complex May 24, 2023
Saulteaux Complex – SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087
These wildfires are located approximately five kilometres northwest of Smith and 30 kilometres east of the Town of Slave Lake. SWF086 is still classified as out of control at approximately 4,802 ha.
SWF085 (approx 39 ha) and SWF087 (appox 1,036 ha) have been classified as being held. Being held means that the fires are not expected to grow beyond established boundaries.
Structure protection equipment is still in place along the Old Smith Highway and wildland firefighters with water trucks continue to work together with local Fire Departments patrolling for and extinguishing ground fires in the area. Heavy equipment continues to build fire guard on the north side of SWF086 and firefighters are working along the wildfire perimeter extinguishing ground fires. Heavy equipment has established guard all around the north excursion from earlier this week.
Crews are walking the fire perimeter of SWF086 looking for and extinguishing smouldering hotspots. Firefighters will be working to prevent spread west of the Otauwau River by creating fire guard with heavy equipment.
The MD of Lesser Slave River has lifted the evacuation order and replaced it with a eight hour evacuation warning for all residents along Old Smith Highway from Township Road 715 (Smith Bridge) to Range Road 45 (Tollenaars Bridge). An eight hour evacuation warning has been issued for all residents in Hondo, the hamlet of Smith, and all properties between. It also includes the Fawcett Lake Resort, Broken Paddle and all residents between Fawcett Lake and Smith bridge on township road 715. Mitsue Industrial Park area is also on an eight hour evacuation notice.
Evacuation alert information https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx
Highway 2 is open. For the latest road conditions visit https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts
SWF-057 is located approximately 26 kilometres south of Kinuso and over 30 kilometers southwest of the Town of Slave Lake. The wildfire is classified as out of control and has burned an estimated 16,728 hectares. Firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots along Highway 33 and the south perimeter of the wildfire.
SWF-063 is located approximately seven kilometers south of High Prairie and sixteen kilometers northwest of Swan Hills. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and has burned an estimated 123,670 hectares. In the northwestern portion of the wildfire, firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots in the Banana Belt and East Prairie Metis Settlement areas. Heavy equipment has completed 85% of the fire guard on the southeast end of the wildfire. Heavy equipment will continue to build fire guard on the east side of the wildfire heading north.
East Prairie Metis Settlement has lifted their evacuation order and is now under a four hour evacuation alert. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx
The Town of Swan Hills has lifted the evacuation order and is now under a four hour evacuation alert. Visit the Town of Swan Hills Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/TownofSwanHills
SWF-064 is located over 40 kilometers northwest of Swan Hills. The wildfire is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 40,060 hectares. This wildfire has connected to SWF-063 to the north. Multiple heavy equipment groups are working on this wildfire and additional heavy equipment groups are expected to be deployed as needed.
There is a total of 98 firefighters, 23 support staff and 105 pieces of heavy equipment on the Saulteaux and Grizzly Complexes. Today, 23 helicopters will be conducting bucketing operations on major hotspot areas. In addition, 95 military personnel will be helping with transportation, safety, and various firefighting duties.
Nipisi Complex - SWF059, SWF060, SWF083
SW060 has combined with SW059 and is located 2.3 kilometres east of the border of the Whitefish Lake First Nation. it is classified as burning out of control and has burned approximately 43,981 hectares. The southwest end of the wildfire closest to the Whitefish Lake First Nation Community border continues to hold and a sprinkler line has been established north of the community. Firefighters are working on the south, north and northwest ends of the wildfire extinguishing ground fire along the perimeter.
SWF083 is located on the east side of Muskwa Lake. Airtankers have established retardant lines around the entire wildfire. The wildfire is classified as being held at 33.7 hectares. Being held means under the current weather conditions, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries.
SWF068 is located approximately six kilometres northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement. Firefighting operations are being conducted by the Peace River Forest Area. Peavine Metis Settlement remains under an evacuation order. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx 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 361,892.72 hectares.
Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 522 wildfires which burned 1,032,291.51 hectares.
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.
Re-entry Information for Residents
We ask that residents stay out of areas that have been burned by the wildfires in the area. Wildfires will make the root systems of trees weak, and any amount of wind will affect the trees in the area. Falling trees will be an ongoing hazard and for residents’ safety you should avoid the burned-out areas.
Firefighters will be actively working on and around properties extinguishing hotspots, please give them the space they need to work.
There will be structure protection equipment on homes and infrastructure in the area. We ask that you do not move the equipment as it is in place to protect buildings on your property. Structure protection will remain in place until the wildfire threat has decreased.
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.
Learn about wildfires and what you can do to be prepared. Visit https://www.alberta.ca/wildfire-preparedness.aspx
With the dynamic wildfire situation, highways could be closed with short notice. Visit https://511.alberta.ca for the latest information on road closures.
For your safety, travel on side roads around active wildfires is not recommended. Not only are there active fires in these areas there are also firefighting operations that could be delayed by your presence. Firefighters appreciate your cooperation.
Due to the numerous wildfires in Alberta, smoky conditions with falling ash will persist in communities and along highways. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Before travelling check www.511.Alberta.ca for information the latest road conditions or closures. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
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.
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:
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All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
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No new Fire Permits will be issued
Prohibited:
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All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
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Backyard firepits
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BBQ charcoal briquettes
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The use of fireworks and exploding targets
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The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails
Allowed:
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Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
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Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
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Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
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All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards
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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.
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Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
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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.
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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 25, 2023.
If you have any questions please contact:
Colby Lachance
(Acting) Area Information Coordinator
Mobile:780-404-9186
Email:Colby.Lachance@gov.ab.ca
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