Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area remains HIGH. The rain last night was isolated and the amount was not significant enough to decrease the wildfire danger with the return of warm weather today.
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors, as areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily and under the windy conditions, a fire will spread rapidly.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Firefighters with helicopters and heavy equipment are on alert, ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.
Weather
For today, the forecast is calling for a high of 10-11 degrees and winds are expected to be light 10-20 kilometres per hour, however areas around Lesser Slave Lake may see gusts up to 40 kilometres per hour this afternoon.
All valid fire permit holders must postpone burning, as the winds expected will exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
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 11, 2024. If you have any questions in the meantime, please call the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Information Officer at 780-849-0945.
Over the next several weeks, firefighters will be burning areas of dead dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning is an efficient way to remove this extremely flammable fire fuel. Trained firefighters conduct these burns under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and to minimize the impact of smoke to roadways and communities.
If you have any questions about these grass burns contact Wildfire Information Office Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
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.
Prevent wildfires
Spring is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused. 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 such as a shovel, extinguisher and bucket when you ride.
When having a campfire, keep it small, safe and always attended. When you are leaving the site or going to bed, your campfire must be extinguished. Soak it, stir up the ashes, soak it again to ensure it is out. A campfire is out when you can no longer feel heat from the ashes.
FireSmart Alberta
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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If you have any questions, please contact:
Wildfire Information Officer
Leah Lovequist
Mobile:780-849-0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
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