Wildfire danger
The strong and gusty winds expected this afternoon has caused the wildfire danger to climb to EXTREME in the Slave Lake Forest Area
Use caution as areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily and a fire will spread quickly under the windy conditions today. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for May 12th.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT AS OF MAY 10, 2019
A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area, due to warmer temperatures and no significant rainfall in the forecast. The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
- Existing fire permits are suspended.
- No new fire permits will be issued during this time.
What is allowed:
Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.
For information about the fire advisory visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Weather
For today the temperature will be a high of 20 degrees and winds will be from the northwest 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 50.
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, various pieces of heavy equipment and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Wildfire situation
There was one new wildfire yesterday in the Joussard area. Firefighters quickly contained the grass fire and it has been extinguished. Since March 1st in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there have been 27 wildfires and 316 hectares burned. Of the 27 wildfires 26 have been extinguished and one is under control.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire
At 5:45 pm on Saturday afternoon Alberta Agriculture and Forestry firefighters conducted a 1.3 hectare burn in the Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire Project Area. The fire burned actively for ten minutes and remained contained within the project area. Today 36 firefighters are working to extinguish the fire.
For more information click here.
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.
Unless the situation changes your next wildfire update will be issued on May 13th.
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.