Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire danger

Due to warm temperatures and gusty winds the wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to HIGH.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors as areas of dead grass will ignite easily and under windy conditions a fire will spread quickly.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Firefighters are on alert ready to respond to any new wildfires that start. 

During times of low to moderate wildfire danger, updates will be issued weekly. However, when the danger escalates to high or extreme levels, updates will be provided daily. Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on April 2nd. If you have any questions in the meantime, please call the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Information Officer at 780-849-0945.

Weather

Above seasonal temperatures are expected today and winds will be from the west gusting up to 40- 50 kilometres per hour.

 

Photo: SWF013 Sunday March 31, 2024 at 5:18 pm 

 

Current wildfire situation

 

SWF013

Firefighters and heavy equipment continue to fight a wildfire located approximately 15 kilometres south of Red Earth Creek. SWF013 started early Sunday afternoon and was spreading to the northeast. The intensity of the wildfire was reduced when it hit patches of snow under the trees.

 

Heavy equipment worked through the night and has built fire guard around 75% of the wildfire. Currently, 17 firefighters, supported by various pieces of heavy equipment and water trucks are working on the wildfire.

 

Although classified as out of control, SWF013 does not pose a threat to nearby communities. The wildfire burned 54 hectares and the cause is under investigation.

 

For the safety of our firefighters, please reduce your speed when traveling on Highway 88, in the wildfire area located 15 kilometers south of Red Earth Creek. www.511.alberta.ca 

 

SWF014

Early this morning, wildland firefighters responded to a grass fire located one kilometre east of Slave Lake. SWF014 is under control and measures 0.4 hectares in size. The cause of the grass fire is under investigation.

 

Since January 1, 2024, 14 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 273.31 hectares. Of the 14 wildfires, one is classified as out of control, eight have been extinguished and four are under control and one has been turned over to the landowner for extinguishment.

Fire permits are required

From now until 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 can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online.You may also request your fire permit by calling your local Forestry Office.

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619   

Fire permit holders, please remember to check the weather forecast before initiating any burning activities. This precaution ensures that you'll adhere to the safe burning conditions outlined on your fire permit.

FireSmart Alberta

 

Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team this summer? We are currently hiring for Wildfire Crew Members and Leaders. Click here to apply.

Junior Forest Rangers 

Do you know an Albertan high school student between the ages 16-18 who is interested in forestry, wildfire, outdoor leadership, and more? We are accepting applications for 2024 JFR Crew Members. Click here to apply. Deadline for applications is April 1st.

 

 

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.

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