Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 4, 2023

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger is EXTREME in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

For today there is a moderate chance of lightning and winds will be gusting up to 45 kilometres per hour.

Crossover conditions are also expected. Crossover occurs when the relative humidity is lower than the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme wildfire behavior.

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).

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

At this time wildland fire fighters are responding to a fire in the Grizzly Ridge Wildland park that is roughly 37km SW from Slave lake. There are three other fires in the general area and are further from Slave Lake but closer to the Swan Hills community. These fires are adding to the smoke in the air and this can be easily seen from the town of Slave Lake and the town is not in any danger. The four fires are classified as OC and no communities are in danger from this fire. Some industrial oil and gas structures may be in danger.

SWF057 May 4,2023 taken at 2:00 pm.

SWF053 located approximately 23 kilometres southeast of East Prairie Metis Settlement is now classified as being held. Being held means given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. There is a fuel free guard built around the entire wildfire and 36 firefighters, three helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment continue to fight this wildfire. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation and the estimated size remains 40 hectares.

Currently in the Slave Lake Forest Area two wildfires are being held, three are under control, one has been turned over to the landowner and 49 have been extinguished.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 54 wildfires which have burned 125.51 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 279 wildfires which burned 944.5 hectares.

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

A fire restriction is now in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area due to very high wildfire danger.

Under this advisory:

Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed
Essential burning may be allowed with written permission from a forest officer

Prohibited:

All outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.

Allowed:

Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) on private lands and in provincial campgrounds.
Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
Propane/ natural gas powered appliances.
Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor.
Cooking, warming and lighting devices – all devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire 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

Click here to view the Fire Restriction Fact Sheet.

OHV hotspots

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.

wildfire app (2)

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.

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