Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire danger

Weather

For tomorrow, the high will be 29 degrees and winds will be from the southwest 15 kilometres per hour and there is a risk of thunderstorms. Crossover conditions are expected. 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. A heat warning is in effect for Alberta. High temperatures are expected for the next several days. 

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.

Currently in the Slave Lake Forest Area, there are six wildfires classified as burning out of control, two being held and two under control. 

Photo: SWF124 July 16, 2024

Today, there was one new wildfire. SWF124 is located approximately 34 kilometres southwest of Bigstone Cree Nation Wabasca 166D and approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Slave Lake. SWF124 is classified as burning out of control and is estimated to be 400 hectares in size. The wildfire was spreading in an easterly direction. Airtankers and helicopters with buckets fought the wildfire. Two groups of heavy equipment are building fire guard and firefighters will be working overnight. An additional heavy equipment group and airtankers will be deployed tomorrow morning. At this time, communities and highways are not at risk. The cause of the wildfire was holdover lightning.

SWF121 was detected on July 15 and is located approximately 88 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is 0.88 hectares in size and is being held. 

SWF120 was detected on afternoon of July 14 and is located approximately 35 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lakes. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 34.6 hectares in size. Today, the wildfire did experience  growth on the east side. This wildfire is being monitored by aircraft and airtankers will be utilized when required.

SWF106 was detected on July 12 and is located approximately 60 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is under control and is 4.8 hectares in size. 

SWF103 was detected on July 11 and is located approximately 36 kilometres southwest of Trout Lake. The wildfire is classified as under control and is 10.2 hectares in size. 

SWF101 was detected on July 11 and is located approximately 47 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. Today, this wildfire experienced some activity in the northern part of the wildfire. It is estimated to be 90 hectares in size and is classified as burning out of control. This wildfire is being monitored by aircraft and airtankers will be utilized when required.

SWF096 and SWF098 are located approximately 33 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek on the west side of Highway 88. These wildfires are now being held and under control. There are 73.2 and 80.4 hectares in size. There are 42 firefighters and two helicopters working on this wildfire. At this time, the wildfires do not pose a risk to the highway.

SWF095 is located approximately 70 kilometres north of Peerless Lake. It is estimated to be 664 hectares in size and is classified as burning out of control. Today, this wildfire did experience some growth to the north and east. A group of heavy equipment is assigned to this wildfire and is working to build fire guard.

SWF092 and SW093 are located approximately 85 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. The wildfires are three and ten hectares in size and are classified as burning out of control. There were four firefighters with a helicopter working on this wildfire.

SWF076 was detected on July 9th and is located approximately 82 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is being held and is 44 hectares in size. There are 17 firefighters with one helicopter working on the wildfire. 

SWF075 was detected on July 8th and is located approximately 10 kilometres east of Little Buffalo. This 3.0 hectare wildfire is under control. 

Since January 1, 2024, 124 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 1,785.58 hectares.  

Since January 1, 2024, 846 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 287,117.5 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 17, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.

 

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