Wildfire situation as of 10:15 pm May 18th
Photo of Slave Lake Wildfire Number 49 taken May 18th at 8:00 pm. Located at km 30 on Highway 754.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 49 and 50 - Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are fighting two wildfires at approximately kilometre 30 to 40 on Highway 754. The wildfires are classified as out of control and are estimated to be 75 and 1000 hectares in size. The winds are pushing the wildfires to the northwest. These wildfires are not threatening any communities. Delays will occur as travel is down to one lane and reduced speed at kilometre 30-40 on Highway 754. Visit www511.ca for the latest road report. For the safety of our firefighters please obey reduced speed limits.
Slave Lake Wildfire Number 52 - Firefighters and helicopters are fighting a grass fire along highway 88, south of Marten Mountain Tower Road. The wildfire is 0.1 hectares and it is now under control. Firefighters continue to work to extinguish this wildfire.
If you have any questions please call Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.
In the Slave Lake Forest Area today we had five new wildfires, two have been extinguished, one is under control and two remain burning out of control.
Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for your mobile device and check back frequently for updates. Click on the Slave Lake tab to access the wildfire update for the Slave Lake Forest Area.
For information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit: wildfire.alberta.ca.
Wildfire danger for Sunday May 19th
The wildfire danger is EXTREME for the entire Slave Lake Forest Area as strong and gusty winds are expected again on Sunday May 19th.
Under these extremely dry and windy conditions a fire will burn intensely and spread very quickly.
Firefighters are urging everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.
Click here to view the wildfire danger map for Sunday May 19th.
FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT
Weather
For Sunday the temperature will be a high of 21 degrees and winds will be from the southeast 30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 55.
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.
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 19th.
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.
