Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-Fire Advisory In Effect

Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger is high/very high in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

For areas around and south of Wabasca the wildfire danger will be very high.

Firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under dry and windy conditions, a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

Photo: October 11, 2022 - SWF162 abandoned campfire left smouldering.

Wildfire Situation

There was one new wildfire yesterday afternoon. SWF162 located in the Fawcette Lake area was an abandoned campfire. Firefighters have extinguished it.

SWF160 located in the Gift Lake Metis Settlement remains being held at 3.3 hectares. This wildfire was caused by a campfire left smouldering. There are nine firefighters working to extinguish it.

Firefighters want to remind everyone that under the dry conditions we are facing this fall, it is extremely important to make sure your campfire is completely extinguished.

Hunters_Soakit_2018

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 162 wildfires which have burned 2,073.49 hectares.

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 1,167 wildfires which burned a total of 152.654.19 hectares.

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit Wildfire Status | AAF - Agriculture and Forestry (alberta.ca).

Fire Advisory 2

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area due to above seasonal temperatures with dry and windy conditions

Under this advisory:
Permits for heavy fuels (brush piles, windrows, etc.) are suspended and will not be reissued until conditions improve. All other permits remain effective and new permits for lighter fuels will be considered on a site-by-site basis.

Prohibited:
Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.

Allowed:
Safe wood campfires *
Backyard fire pits
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:
a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire.

Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas. Municipalities, parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

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 advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Click here to view a map of the affected areas.

Fire Permits

From March 1st to October 31st, a fire permit is required for any type of outdoor burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta with the exception of a campfire for cooking or warming. Fire permits help ensure that when smoke or fire is reported, firefighters can determine whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn.

Albertans living or recreating in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.

Fire permits can also be requested by calling your local Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Office.

Red Earth/Slave Lake (780) 849-7377

High Prairie (780) 523-6619

Wabasca (780) 891-3860

OHV hotspots

Prevent Wildfires

Over the upcoming days as areas of grass become dead and dry, any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire. Please be diligent in preventing wildfires this fall.

When using any type of machinery including off-highway vehicles take the following precautions:

Clear debris from moving parts.
Check your muffler.
Keep the equipment in good repair.
Avoid operating equipment in tall grass.
Keep watch of your surroundings.
Always carry firefighting equipment on board, a fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and a receptacle filled with at least five litres of water.

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.

When putting out your campfire:

Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt and stir.
Expose any materials still burning, then add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam.
Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch. You should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes.

Wildfire Information

The new 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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