Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 7, 2023 5:30 pm- Fire Ban

Wildfire Danger

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

Although, cooler temperatures and some light rain have been received across the area at this time, the amount is not enough to improve conditions significantly or for the long term.

The fine fire fuels such as dead grass require only a few hours of warm temperatures to dry out and become flammable.

The fire ban remains in effect and firefighters urge everyone to continue using caution and to report

wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

Weather

For Monday, temperatures are expected to 16-18 degrees and winds will be light from the southeast/southwest 10 kilometres per hour.

Wildfire Situation

Firefighters were able to make good progress on the fighting the out of control wildfires with the cool and wet weather today. The fire intensity was reduced and very little growth occurred on all wildfires.

Grizzly Complex – SWF063, SWF064, and SWF057

The focus for firefighters is to control wildfire spread to the north and northwest on SWF063 and SWF057.

On SWF063 four helicopters are bucketing on the northwest corner and in East Prairie Metis Settlement. There are 24 firefighters extinguishing ground fires in East Prairie Metis Settlement and 16 firefighters working with the Fire Department on the northwest end. A heavy equipment group is building fire guard west and east of highway 749.

Firefighters continue to monitor SWF064 and there was no substantial growth in the past 24 hours.

SWF057 did not cross highway 33 and heavy equipment are building fire guard along west to south side of the wildfire. A fire guard has been completed on the north side. There are 16 firefighters with three helicopters bucketing on the wildfire.

Nipisi Complex SWF059,SWF060, SWF061and SWF070

On SWF60 there are four helicopters bucketing and airtankers working on the southwest perimeter. 12 firefighters are using ignition to strengthen a fire guard along highway 88 and heavy equipment is building fire guard around the south end of the wildfire. Eight firefighters are working on extinguishing SWF070 and SWF61.

Firefighters continue to monitor SWF068.

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

Alberta Emergency Alert

A provincial state of emergency has been declared for Alberta.

Critical alerts and advisories have been 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.

Road Closures

Visit https://511.alberta.ca for the latest information on road closures.

There was one new wildfire today. A holdover from winter burning. Wildland firefighters and the local fire department responded and are working to extinguish the 0.01 hectare wildfire.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 71 wildfires which have burned 125,501.71 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 403 wildfires which burned 391,472.43 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.

Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.