Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is VERY HIGH.
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).Fire Lookouts are on high alert, watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.
Weather
Today's forecast is calling for a high of 15-16 degrees and winds will be from the northwest 20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 35.
NOTE: Areas of the map that are white mean there is still snow on the ground. Once snow free conditions occur the wildfire danger will be visible on the map.
Photo: SWF026 April 21,2024 Abandoned campfire was found smouldering in the Jack Pines by Slave Lake on Sunday.
Since April 18th, a fire restriction has been in place for the Slave Lake Forest Area, suspending all fire permits and prohibiting campfires in random camping areas or backcountry.
Over the weekend, two tickets were issued for $600 each for violating the fire restriction. One person was burning without a fire permit and the other had a campfire in an undesignated area and failed to properly extinguish the campfire, leaving it smoldering.
Click here for a list of ticketable offences and fine amounts.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and in private backyards are allowed.
Prohibited in the backcountry and on random camping areas:
- Wood campfires.
- Charcoal briquette barbeques.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and in backyards of privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires in designated and acceptable fire rings and fire pits.
- Charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca or by calling 1-866-394-3473.
Click the items below for detailed information regarding the Fire Restriction in the Forest Protection Area.
Big Lakes County: A Fire Restriction is now in effect for Big Lakes County Fire Permit Area. Fire Restriction information is posted on Big Lakes County Facebook page and www.albertafirebans.ca
Current wildfire situation
There were two new wildfires today.
SWF029 located approximately 6 kilometres north of Sandy Lake is under control and is 0.01 hectares in size. The cause of this wildfire is under investigation.
SWF030 located 9.5 kilometres west of Heart River is classified as burning out of control and is 2.0 hectares in size. Airtankers have laid retardant around the wildfire and firefighters with water trucks are working to contain the wildfire. This wildfire is not threatening communities and the cause is under investigation.
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 23, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.
Prevent wildfires
Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.
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.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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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