Slave Lake Area Update

Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is moderate. Cooler temperatures and scattered showers are providing some relief. 

A fire can still ignite under a moderate wildfire danger, especially in areas that did not receive rain. Firefighters continue to urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors, as a fire will ignite easily and spread rapidly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Weather

For Friday, the high will be 15 degrees and the winds will be from northwest 20-25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 40. Wet and cool conditions will continue in
the central and northern province. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected this evening.

Smoky conditions

Due to the wildfire activity smoky conditions will 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 eight wildfires classified as burning out of control, two being held and four under control. 

SWF120 was detected on the afternoon of July 14 and is located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lakes. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 12,625 hectares in size. This wildfire will continued to be monitored by aircraft when visibility permits.

Rabbit Lake Complex which includes MWF060, MWF078 are located approximately 34 and 24 kilometres northeast and east of Chipewyan Lakes. Both wildfires are classified as burning out of control. MWF060 is 20,219 hectares in size and MWF078 is 2,635 hectares. These wildfires did not experience significant growth or spread today. 

Due to multiple wildfires burning northwest, northeast and east of Chipewyan Lakes the MD of Opportunity has issued an Alberta Emergency Alert for the community of Chipewyan Lakes.

SWF124 is located in the Marten Hills and is approximately 29 kilometres southwest of Bigstone Cree Nation Wabasca 166D and approximately 46 kilometres northeast of Slave Lake. SWF124 is classified as burning out of control and is 9,048 hectares in size. 

Today, heavy equipment continued building fire guard from east to west. Cool weather and precipitation helped firefighters make good progress. Firefighters reported no movement since yesterday's update.

There are 44 firefighters, one helicopter and six heavy equipment groups with operators working on the wildfire today.  

At this time, SWF124 does not pose a risk to communities or highway 754. 

For your safety do not enter into active wildfire areas.

To view these wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

SWF130 was detected July 18 and is located approximately 90.7 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 1,633 hectares. 

Photo: Talbot lookout tower located between SWF129 and SWF130 (July 25, 2024).

SWF129 was detected July 18 and is located approximately 88 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 6,400 hectares in size. This wildfire will be monitored by aircraft when visibility permits. 

SWF128 was detected on July 18 and being held at 0.1 hectares. There are 8 firefighters working on the wildfire today.  

SWF126 is located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Swan Hills. The wildfire is 0.23 hectares and is being held. 

SWF101 was detected on July 11 and is located approximately 47 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. It is estimated to be 90 hectares in size and is classified as burning out of control. There are 32 firefighters and two helicopters working on the wildfire today.

SWF096 and SWF098 are located approximately 33 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek on the west side of Highway 88. These wildfires are both under control and are 73.2 and 80.4 hectares in size. 

SWF095 is located approximately 70 kilometres north of Peerless Lake. It is estimated to be 2,400 hectares in size and is classified as burning out of control. This wildfire will be monitored by aircraft when visibility permits.

SWF092 and SW093 are located approximately 85 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. The wildfires are 2.6 and 2,421 hectares in size and are classified as burning out of control. These wildfires will continue to be monitored by aircraft.

SWF076 was detected on July 9th and is located approximately 82 kilometres northwest of Red Earth Creek. The wildfire is under control and is 44 hectares in size. 

Since January 1, 2024, 135 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 35,206.81 hectares.  

Since January 1, 2024, 977 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 551,073.23 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 23, 2024. If you have any questions contact Dan Troke, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-843-5772.

 

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