Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- June 7, 2024

Wildfire danger

Due to strong and gusty winds expected today the wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is MODERATE. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors and to report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Fire Lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.

Fire permit holders must postpone burning as the winds expected will exceed the safe burning conditions on the fire permit.

Weather

For today, winds will be from north/northwest 20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 60. Widespread rain is expected to move into the Slave Lake Forest Area this evening and on Saturday.

Current wildfire situation

SWF004 which was detected on February 23 and is located 27 kilometres southwest of High Prairie is under control. Firefighting has been completed and reclamation of containment lines is currently being conducted.

Since January 1, 2024, 51 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 312.97 hectares. All 50 wildfires have been extinguished and one is under control.

In the Slave Lake Forest Area, four wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season remain under control.

Aerial infrared scans will be conducted on these wildfires when conditions allow.

Since January 1, 2024, 410 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 27,984.48 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 12th, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.

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.

Fireworks

Written permission is required to ignite fireworks in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. To request written permission from a Forest Officer contact your local Forest Area Office. Click here for more information on the use of fireworks.

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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.

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Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- June 7, 2024

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