Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire danger

Weather

For today, the high will be 35 degrees and winds will be from southeast 10-15 kilometres per hour. Thunderstorms with strong winds, hail and lightning, are expected to move through the area late this morning and into the evening. Crossover conditions are expected as well. 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. 

Smoky conditions

Due to wildfire activity in northern Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories 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.

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to the continuing hot and dry weather. 

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca

Photo: SWF076 on July 9, 2024 8:25 pm 

Current wildfire situation

There was one new wildfire yesterday afternoon. SWF076 is located approximately 82 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. Airtankers and firefighters with helicopters responded and fought the wildfire. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 20 hectares in size. Today, airtankers and 21 firefighters with two helicopters will be working on the wildfire. 

SWF075 was detected on July 8th and is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Little Buffalo. Thanks to the hard work of aircraft and firefighters this wildfire is being held. Being held means the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries given the current weather and firefighting resources. The cause of SWF075 was lightning and it is three hectares in size. Today, 25 firefighters with a helicopter will be working on the wildfire. 

Since January 1, 2024, 76 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 341.6 hectares.  Of the 76 wildfires, one is classified as burning out of control, one is being held and 74 have been extinguished.

Since January 1, 2024, 647 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 156,979.47 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 July 11, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.

 

Fire permits are required

 

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.

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.

FireSmart Alberta