Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update-Fire Advisory in Effect- September 4, 2022

Posted on Sun, Sep 04, 2022

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Wildfire Danger

The wildfire danger is very high in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Areas around and east of Lesser Slave Lake are extreme.

For today very warm temperatures are expected with low relative humidity. This means crossover conditions will occur for all areas south of Red Earth Creek. Under the crossover conditions a wildfire will exhibit extreme behaviour. 

Also this afternoon areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake will see strong and gusty winds.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors. Under the  dry and windy conditions a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

With recent and expected lightning activity, new wildfire starts may occur. Fire lookouts are on alert watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

Smoky Conditions

Smoke from wildfires in British Columbia and the United States has drifted into the Slave Lake Forest Area. If you are experiencing respiratory difficulties as a result of the smoke, please visit Alberta Health Link or dial 811. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to view the most current smoke forecast.

Campfire Ad HI RES

 Prevent Wildfires

Alberta Wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during long weekends. 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 Situation 

There were no new wildfires yesterday.

Firefighters continue to monitor the under control wildfires (SWF078 and SWF124). 

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

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 150 wildfires which have burned 2,068.07 hectares. 

Since January 1st, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, there have been 1,043 wildfires which burned a total of 141,308.87 hectares.  

fire advisory wide

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area.
 
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, all fire permits are suspended with the exception of current burn barrel, incinerators, smudges and smoke house permits. New fire permits will not be issued until a significant amount of rain is received. Essential burning will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
 
Prohibited:
• Without a valid fire permit, any burning 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; and
d)  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.

To view a map of the fire advisory area visit www.albertafirebans.ca

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation.

Fire Permits *only essential burning will be considered*

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

Wildfire Dashboard

*New* Wildfire Dashboard

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.

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Wildfire Information

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

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Updates will be provided weekly when the wildfire danger is low to moderate and daily when the wildfire danger reaches high to extreme. 

Unless conditions change you can expect your next wildfire update on September 5th.

If you have any questions please contact:

Leah Lovequist

Wildfire Information Officer

Mobile:780-849-0945

Email:leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca

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