Wildfire danger
The weather forecast is calling for strong and gusty winds today. The wildfire danger has climbed to VERY HIGH in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Use caution as areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily and under these windy conditions a fire will spread quickly. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.
Fire permit holders must postpone burning as the winds will exceed the safe burning practices on the fire permit.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for May 9th.
Weather
For today the temperature will be a high of 20 degrees and winds will be from the southwest shifting to the northwest 15 gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour.
The weather forecast is calling for very warm temperatures for the next several days and rain is not expected.
On alert
Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Wildfire situation
Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 24 wildfires and 306.14 hectares burned. All 24 wildfires have been extinguished.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be conducting one or more prescribed fires approximately 12.5 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake.
The prescribed fires will vary in size from 1 to 5 hectares and burning will take place when forecasted weather and on-the-ground conditions allow for a safe, controlled burn.
Smoke may be visible at times but will be localized and short lived. Public roads and highways are expected to remain open; however, traffic may be controlled.
For more information click here.
Fire Permits are required
From March 1st to October 31st, a fire permit is required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area. A campfire for cooking or warming does not require a fire permit.
To request your free fire permit call your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Office:
Slave Lake/Red Earth/Trout/Peerless/Loon 780-849-7377
Wabasca 780-891-3860
High Prairie 780-523-6619
Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.
When riding your off highway vehicle stop frequently to remove any build-up of debris from the hot spots on your machine. An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 degrees Celsius. That means it won't take long for that wet and muddy debris to dry up, start smouldering and fall to the ground as you drive away.
Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again. A campfire is out when the ashes are cool to the touch.
If you have any questions please contact
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780-849-0945
Email: Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Keep up to date on the wildfire situation by subscribing to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update or download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple or Android devices.
