Slave Lake Area Update

 

Wildfire Danger

 

Cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity has reduced the wildfire danger to MODERATE for the majority of the Slave Lake Forest Area.

 

Although the fire danger has been reduced, firefighters urge everyone to continue to use caution and make sure campfires are extinguished.

 

At this time winds are gusting up to 35 kilometres per hour. Fire permit holders must continue to postpone burning with the gusty winds as they exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit. 

 

Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

 

 

Weather

For today, the temperature is expected to be 12-15 degrees with relative humidity of 50 percent. Winds will be from the northwest/west 10 kilometres per hour. Currently, the winds are gusting up to 35 kilometres per hour. There is a chance of isolated showers around and south of Lesser Slave Lake.

Smoky Conditions

Due to wildfire activity in Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, smoky conditions will persist in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link.   

 

A fire advisory has been issued for the Slave Lake Forest Area due to expected strong and gusty winds.

Under this advisory:

All valid fire permit holders must postpone burning as winds will exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.

The issuance of new fire permits is left to the discretion of a forest officer until conditions change. 

Fire permits will not be issued for the burning of heavy fuels such as brush piles and windrows. 

Prohibited:

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

Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires (including charcoal briquettes) in backcountry or random camping areas, on private lands and in provincial campgrounds
• 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.

 

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(3473).

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Before heading out this long weekend, visit www.albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date information on fire bans, restrictions and advisories in Alberta. If you have questions please call 1-866-394-3473.

Wildfire Situation 

SWF116 occurred on July 7th and is located approximately 22 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lake. The lightning caused wildfire is classified as being held and is 10,670.00 hectares in size. Being held means with the current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. Firefighters with a helicopter are monitoring this wildfire. 

The wildfires in the Saulteaux Complex (SWF 085, SWF086 and SWF087) and Grizzly Complex (SWF057, SWF063, SWF064 and SWF095) are under control. 

SWF103 occurred on June 21 and is located 30 kilometres northeast of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is under control and has burned 40.5 hectares. 

SWF068 is located approximately six kilometres northwest of Peavine Metis Settlement. The wildfire is under control and has burned 143,039.00 hectares. Firefighting operations are being conducted by the Peace River Forest Area. For information on this wildfire visit the Peace River Wildfire Update.

SW060 is located 2.3 kilometres east of the border of the Whitefish Lake First Nation. This wildfire is under control and has burned approximately 43,981 hectares. 

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

NOTE: The wildfire perimeter is an estimate based on measurements such as GPS, aerial scanning and satellite imagery. This estimated perimeter can change as more accurate measurements become available. Areas within the fire perimeter may not have been affected by wildfire.

Fire Permits 

From March 1 to October 31, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and are now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca for information on how to make a request online.

Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local Forestry Office.

• • Wabasca 780-891-3860
  • Slave Lake 780-849-7377
  • High Prairie 780-523-6619  
    
  
  

Do your part to 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.

FireSmart

Visit firesmartcanada.ca to learn how you can reduce the risk of wildfire to your home, property and community.

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 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.