Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger has climbed to VERY HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors. Under the warm and dry conditions, a fire can ignite easily and will spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

There are no fire advisories, restrictions or bans in the Slave Lake Forest Area. For up-to-date information on fire regulations in other parts of Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca

Weather

For today, the high will be 30 degrees and relative humidity of 20-25%. Winds will be from the southeast 15 kilometres per hour gusting up to 35. Crossover conditions are expected. Crossover is the point at which the relative humidity is less than or equal to the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme burning. Warm and windy conditions are expected for the next several days.

Smoky conditions

Smoky conditions may 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.

There have been no new wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area since August 2nd.

Currently, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, three wildfires are being held, eight are under control and 126 have been extinguished.

Firefighters continue to make good progress fighting the wildfires, actively patrolling and extinguishing hotspots. 

When weather conditions permit, aerial infrared scans are conducted on the wildfires. These scans help locate areas of shouldering ground fire. The results are then provided to firefighters who will extinguish the identified hotspots.

SWF120 was detected on the afternoon of July 14 and is located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lake. The wildfire is classified as being held and is 13,282.00 hectares in size. Being held means the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries given the current weather and firefighting resources. A fire guard has been constructed along the south end of the wildfire. Today, there are 20 firefighters and three helicopters working on the wildfire. 

SWF124 is located in the Marten Hills and is approximately 29 kilometres southwest of Bigstone Cree Nation Wabasca 166D and approximately 46 kilometres northeast of Slave Lake. SWF124 is now under control and is 8,169.00 hectares in size.  A fire guard has been constructed along the south and east sides of the wildfire. This wildfire will be monitored by aircraft today.

SWF130 was detected July 18 and is located approximately 90.7 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is classified as being held and is 1,849.00 hectares. Being held means the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries given the current weather and firefighting resources.

SWF129 was detected July 18 and is located approximately 88 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is classified as being held and is 7,427.00 hectares in size. Being held means the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries given the current weather and firefighting resources. Today, there are 17 firefighters and three helicopters working on the wildfire.

SWF126 is located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Swan Hills. The wildfire is 0.23 hectares and is under control. Today, there are two firefighters patrolling this wildfire.

SWF101 was detected on July 11 and is located approximately 47 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is classified as under control and is estimated to be 118.50 hectares.

SWF096 and SWF098 are located approximately 33 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek on the west side of Highway 88. These wildfires are both under control and are 73.20 and 80.4 hectares in size. 

SWF095 is located approximately 70 kilometres north of Peerless Lake. It is estimated to be 5,269.00 hectares in size and is classified as under control. 

SWF093 is located approximately 85 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is classified as under control and is estimated to be 2,523.00 hectares. 

SWF076 was detected on July 9th and is located approximately 82 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is under control and is 44.00 hectares in size. 

Since January 1, 2024, 137 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 39,227.72 hectares.  

Since January 1, 2024, 1047 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 604,015.68 hectares.

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

The Forest Protection Area is divided into 10 forest areas. Find the latest updates for each area here or subscribe to receive them in your inbox.

• Calgary Forest Area
• Edson Forest Area
• Fort McMurray Forest Area
• Grande Prairie Forest Area
• High Level Forest Area

• Lac La Biche Forest Area
• Peace River Forest Area
• Rocky Mountain House Forest Area
• Slave Lake Forest Area
• Whitecourt Forest Area

Forest areas of Alberta map

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 August 9, 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

67% of wildfires in Alberta are caused by people. Whether you are recreating or working outdoors, please do your part to prevent wildfires.

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.

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.

FireSmart Alberta