Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- August 1, 2024

Posted on Thu, Aug 01, 2024

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Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is 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.

On Alert

With expected lightning activity, new wildfires may occur. Fire lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start. 

Report wildfires 2022

Weather

For today, the high will be 23 degrees and relative humidity of 40%. Winds will be from the west 15 km gusting 30 km.

Smoky conditions

Due to the wildfire activity smoky conditions will 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.

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.

With the August Long Weekend right around the corner, Alberta Wildfire would like to remind anyone heading out to our forested areas to be responsible. Many areas of the province are under fire advisories, restrictions, and bans. Make sure to check the area you are going to ensure fires are permitted and be prepared if they are not.

Propane fire pits are still allowed during a fire ban but wood burning fires are not. The wildfire danger is growing in the province so be on high alert. If you are having a campfire, never leave it unattended and ensure it is fully extinguished before you leave.

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 Forest Area 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.
 

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Current wildfire situation

Currently, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there are eight wildfires classified as being held and five under control. 

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 hectares in size. Today, there are 24 firefighters and eight helicopters on the fire. 

Rabbit Lake Complex which includes MWF060, MWF078 are located approximately 34 and 24 kilometres northeast and east of Chipewyan Lakes. Both wildfires are being held. MWF060 is 20,219 hectares in size and MWF078 is 2,635 hectares.

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 classified as being held and is 8,169 hectares in size.

Today, there are 32 firefighters and two helicopters on the fire. Firefighters reported no movement or growth. 

At this time, SWF124 does not pose a risk to communities or highway 754.

For your safety do not enter into active wildfire areas.

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

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 hectares. 

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 hectares in size. This wildfire will be monitored by aircraft.

SWF126 is located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Swan Hills. The wildfire is 0.23 hectares and is being held

SWF101 was detected on July 11 and is located approximately 47 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. It is estimated to be 118 hectares in size and is under control there are eight firefighters and one helicopter working on the wildfire today.

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 73.2 and 80.4 hectares in size. 

SWF095 is located approximately 70 kilometres north of Peerless Lake. It is estimated to be 5,269 hectares in size and is classified as being held. This wildfire will be monitored by aircraft.

SWF092 and SW093 are located approximately 85 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. The wildfires are 2.6 and 2,523 hectares in size and are classified as being held. These wildfires will continue to be monitored by aircraft.

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 hectares in size. 

Since January 1, 2024, 136 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, 1008 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 561,780 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.

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 2, 2024. If you have any questions contact Dan Troke, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-843-5772.
 
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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 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

An estimated 90 percent of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. Download the FireSmart Yard Fact Sheet for practical and simple actions you can take on your property to reduce the risk of a wildfire reaching your home.
  
Wildfire information 
 
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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

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If you have any questions, please contact:

Wildfire Information Officer

Dan Troke

Mobile:780-843-5772

Daniel.Troke@gov.ab.ca

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