Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- July 26, 2024

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 Saturday, the high will be 24 degrees and the winds will be from northwest/southwest 15 kilometres per hour. Stable conditions will return to most of the province with max temperatures back to the normal range along with moderate to high RH minima in most zones. 

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, one being held and four under control. 

SWF120 was detected on the afternoon of July 14 and is located approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 12,625 hectares in size. There are 12 firefighters and two helicopters working on the wildfire today.

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 any 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, there are 52 firefighters, six helicopters and six heavy equipment groups including water trucks working on the wildfire.

SWF124 has received a significant amount of precipitation in the past 48 hours. Firefighters reported no movement since yesterday’s update.

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. 

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 detected on July 18 was extinguished 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 eight 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 552,648 hectares.

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