Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-May 8, 2023 9:00 pm- Fire Ban

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger will be MODERATE to HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area

Although, the temperatures are cooler and there has been some rain, 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 and off highway vehicle restriction remain in effect and firefighters urge everyone to continue using caution and to report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

Weather

For Tuesday, temperatures are expected to 16-21 degrees and winds will be light from the northwest 10 kilometres per hour.

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

Wildfire sizes are estimates based on MODIS from May 7th. The sizes of the wildfires may change due to more accurate measurements.

Wildfire Situation

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

Grizzly Complex – SWF063, SWF064, and SWF057

SWF063 is located south of High Prairie. Firefighters with a nodwell worked to extinguish ground fires in East Prairie Metis Settlement. Firefighters are also worked on the northwest end extinguishing the edge of the wildfire along the fire guard while heavy equipment group continued to build fire guard west and east of highway 749. There are 22 firefighters, four heavy equipment groups and six helicopters working on the wildfire.

SWF057 is located on the southwest side Grizzly Ridge Wildland Provincial Park. Heavy equipment continued to build fire guard along west to south side of the wildfire. A fire guard has been completed on the north side. There are ten firefighters, three equipment groups and seven helicopters working on the wildfire.

Firefighters continue to monitor SWF064 and there was no substantial growth.

Nipisi Complex SWF059,SWF060, SWF061and SWF070

SW060 is located on the east side of Utikuma Lake. Helicopters were bucketing on the southwest and north end of the wildfire. Heavy equipment continued to build fire guard on the northside of Utikuma Lake on the west side of highway 88 while firefighters worked along the fire guards to extinguish the edge of the wildfire. Firefighters worked on setting up sprinklers along the FireSmart fire guard north of the Whitefish Lake First Nation. Firefighters extinguished SWF070 and SWF061. There are 35 firefighters, three heavy equipment groups and nine helicopters working on the wildfire.

Wildfire operations for SWF068 located northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement will be transferred over to the Peace River Forest Area. A firefighters in helicopters flew the wildfire and noted minimal growth and subdued fire intensity.

There was one new wildfire today. SWF072 is 0.01 hectares and is being held.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 72 wildfires which have burned 126,591.04 hectares.

Since January 1, 2023, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 408 wildfires which burned 391,791.49 hectares.

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.

Smoke

For the an accurate forecast of wildfire smoke, visit FIRESMOKE 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.

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