Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 5, 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 50 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

We are advising all public to stay away form our fire operations with drones as they interfere with the crews safety.

Two new fires have started which are OC at this time. SWF067 534 ha's located at 14-34-069-13-W5 and SWF 068 1400 ha's located at 10-27-079-16-W5. Crews are working on these fires.

We had nine new fires reported yesterday starting at SWF057 and ending with SWF 065.

Grizzly complex

The Grizzly Complex has four fires assigned to it that are all OC and is our number 1 priority we have four Fire attack crews on this fire along with an ignition specialist, and bucketing Helicopters.

SWF 057- 4000 Ha, SWF 058- 950Ha, SWF 063-2900Ha, SWF 064-1158Ha

The Nipisi complex has 5 fires attached to it with all of them OC Fire attack crews and helicopters are working these fires.

SWF 059-395 Ha, SWF 060 -5000 Ha, SWF 061-0.08 Ha, SWF 062- 0.01Ha, SWF 065- 0.2Ha

SWF053 located approximately 23 kilometres southeast of East Prairie Metis Settlement is now classified as out of control. 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 eleven wildfires are out of control, 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 68 wildfires which have burned roughly 11,000 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 356 wildfires which burned 43159.9 hectares.

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

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.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire ban 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

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.

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