Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- June 21, 2024

Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to HIGH. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors as the warm weather is causing the forest vegetation to become dry. Under the warm and dry conditions, a fire will ignite and spread easily. Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.

Weather

The forecast for today is calling for a high of 24-26 degrees and winds will be from the southwest/southeast at 15 kilometres per hour.

Current wildfire situation

The local Fire Department and Wildland Firefighters responded to a new wildfire yesterday in the Slave Lake Forest Area. SWF054 located approximately seven kilometres north of Kinuso has been extinguished. The cause of the 0.1 hectare wildfire is under investigation.

Since January 1, 2024, 54 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 313.09 hectares. All 54 wildfires have been extinguished.

On June 4, 2024 wildfires SWF060, SWF116 and SWF081 from 2023 were declared extinguished. SWF068 from the 2023 wildfire season remains under control.

Since January 1, 2024, 443 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 28,150.69 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.

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 June 22, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.

Fire works

Celebrating with fireworks this July Long Weekend

Written permission is required for the use of fireworks and exploding targets in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

To request written permission from a Forest Officer contact your local Slave Lake Forest Area office.

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619

A site inspection will also be required, so please plan ahead and call at least three days before the long weekend.

For permission to use fireworks in areas outside of the Forest Protection Area contact:

Town of Slave Lake: Lesser Slave Regional Fire Service 780-849-4110

Town of High Prairie: Fireworks are not allowed within the town limits.

Big Lakes County permit area: Big Lakes County Fire Guardian 780-507-9848

Click here for more information on the use of fireworks and exploding targets.

Fire Permit Online

Fire permits are required

From now until October 31, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you are burning without a permit or not following permit conditions, your fire could be considered a wildfire and you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of suppressing the fire. By getting a fire permit, you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local Forest Area Office.

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619

Fire permit holders, please remember to check the weather forecast before initiating any burning activities. This precaution ensures that you'll adhere to the safe burning conditions outlined on your fire permit.

PREV_PrescribedFire_Pelican_social_2021 (008)

*Postponed until July*

Pelican Mountain Prescribed Fire

Alberta Wildfire is planning to conduct one or more prescribed fires approximately 12.5 kilometres southwest of Sandy Lake. The prescribed fire will be three hectares in size and burning will take place when forecasted weather and on-the-ground conditions allow for a safe, controlled burn.

Click here to view the factsheet and maps for the Pelican Mountain Research Site Prescribed Fire.

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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

Download the FireSmart Yard Fact Sheet for practical and simple actions you can take on your property to reduce the risk of a wildfire reaching your home.

Wildfire information

The wildfire dashboard provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more. The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.

Download the Alberta Wildfire app and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device. Available for Apple and Android.

Subscribe to the Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update to receive an email when new information is posted.

Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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:

Apps:

Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.

Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- June 21, 2024

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