Winter Burning
With wildfire season just around the corner, it is important to go back and check your winter burns.
Fires lit in the winter can smoulder under the snow and emerge as a wildfire in the spring when conditions are warm and dry. Do your part to prevent wildfires by ensuring your winter burn piles are extinguished.
When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.
If you have conducted burning this winter in the Slave Lake Forest Area, please report all your burn locations by calling 780-849-7457.
Wildfire Season Starts March 1st
Starting March 1st fire permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area. A fire permit is not required for a cooking or warming fire.
To request your fire permit call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office.
- Slave Lake/Red Earth/Peerless/Trout 780-849-7377
- Wabasca 780-891-3860
- High Prairie 780-523-6619
McMillan Wildfire
Wildfire Investigators from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and Investigators from the RCMP's Forestry Crimes Unit have determined the cause of the McMillan wildfire to be arson.
If you are a witness to this act or have information, please report it to by calling 1-833-999-FIRE (3473). A reward may be given for information leading to an arrest.
For more details click here.
Unless conditions change your next update will be February 27th.
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: leah.lovequist@gov.ab.ca