Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 6, 2023 3:00 pm- Fire Ban

Wildfire Danger

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

For Sunday there is a moderate chance of lightning and winds will be from the southeast gusting up to 55 kilometres per hour.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution as under these dry conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly with the wind . Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

Wildfire Situation

In the Slave Lake Forest Area we currently have eight wildfires burning out of control.

Alberta Emergency Alert

Critical alerts and advisories have been issued for communities around the active wildfires. Visit http://www.alberta.ca/emergencyalert for details.

Road Closures

With the dynamic wildfire situation, roads could be affected at anytime. Visit www.511Alberta .ca for the latest information

Grizzly complex

The Grizzly Complex contains wildfires SWF057, SWF063 and SWF064. There are 60 firefighters, six helicopters, three heavy equipment groups and an ignition equipped helicopter are fighting these wildfires.

SWF063 - 51,418 hectares

SWF057 - 6,889 hectares

SWF064 - 20,452 hectares

Nipisi complex

The Nipisi Complex contains SWF059, SWF060, SWF061 and SWF070. There are 25 firefighters, five helicopters and two heavy equipment groups fighting these wildfires.

SWF059 - 1,017 hectares

SWF060 - 12,502 hectares

SWF061 - 0.08 hectares

SWF070 - 4 hectares

SWF068 is being monitored by wildfire assessor in a helicopter.

SWF068 - 25,163.9 hectares

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 70 wildfires which have burned 118,818.7 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 391 wildfires which burned 349,155.16 hectares.

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

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

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

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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