Wildfire danger
The overall wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is VERY HIGH. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors, as under the hot and dry conditions, a fire will ignite easily and spread quickly.
On Alert
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Fire lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.
Weather
For today, the high will be 23-26 degrees and winds will be from west 20 -30 kilometres per hour gusting up to 50. Thunderstorms are expected with moderate lightning. 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 ban is in effect for the entire Forest Protection Area of Alberta, including the Slave Lake Forest Area, due to hot and dry conditions.
Under this fire ban:
All fire permits are suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued. Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, if approved by a forest officer.Prohibited:
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All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits
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Barbeque charcoal briquettes
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Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
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Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances
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Indoor wood fires inside a structure (such as a facility, building, tent or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
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Open flame oil devices (such as deep fryers and tiki torches). All devices must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards.
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. Firefighters appreciate your cooperation.
For more information view the Fire ban factsheet
The town of High Prairie, town of Slave Lake, and the Big Lakes County Fire Permit Area have also issued a fire ban. For specific fire ban information visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Photo: Lightning activity July 10-11th, 2024
Current wildfire situation
Lightning sparked 13 new wildfires yesterday. Of the 13 new wildfires, one is classified as burning out of control, one is being held, one is under control and ten have been extinguished. SWF077-SWF084 and SWF086 - SWF089 ranged in size from 0.01-0.1 hectares and SWF085 is estimated to be five hectares.
SWF085 was detected on July 10th and is located approximately 9.4 kilometres southwest of Faust. Airtankers and firefighters with helicopters responded and fought the wildfire. SWF085 is classified as burning out of control and is five hectares in size. Today, 13 firefighters with two helicopters will be working on the wildfire. Good progress was made fighting this wildfire yesterday and it does not pose a threat to nearby communities.
SWF076 was detected on July 9th and is located approximately 82 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. Airtankers and firefighters with helicopters responded and fought the wildfire. The wildfire is being held and is 44 hectares in size. There are 25 firefighters with one helicopter 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. There are 17 firefighters working on the wildfire.
Since January 1, 2024, 89 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 330.04 hectares.
Since January 1, 2024, 691 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 184,351.52 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.
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
If you have any questions, please contact:
Wildfire Information Officer
Leah Lovequist
Mobile:780-849-0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
RELATED INFORMATION
Forest Area Updates:
Websites: