Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- May 12, 2024 10:30 am

Posted on Sun, May 12, 2024

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Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is VERY HIGH to EXTREME.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors, as areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily and under the windy conditions, a fire will spread rapidly.

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Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Fire Lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start. 

Weather

For today, the high will be 21 degrees and winds will be from the southeast/southwest 15-20 kilometres per hour. There is a chance of thunderstorms with lightning for areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake.

 
Wildfire Smoke
 
Smoke from wildfires in northern British Columbia continues to move into the Slave Lake Forest Area. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from and to view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
 
 
Visit www.albertafirebans.ca to view the interactive map of Alberta with details on fire bans, restrictions and advisories.
Fire Advisory 1
 
A fire advisory is now in effect for fire control zones 22, 45 and 46 in the Slave Lake Forest Area. 
 
Under this advisory:
- Existing fire permits remain valid, but extension requests may not be granted.
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas. 
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
 
 
Fire Restriction banner
 
A fire restriction remains in effect for fire control zone 34 in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
 
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.
 
Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:
- All outdoor wood fires.
- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
 
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires.
- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
 
The fire advisory/restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.
 
Visit www.albertafirebans.ca to view the interactive map of Alberta with details on fire bans, restrictions and advisories.

There are no fire restrictions or advisories in place for the fire permit area of Big Lakes County or the towns of Slave Lake or High Prairie.

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Current wildfire situation 

There was one new wildfire in the Slave Lake Forest Area (Forest Protection Area) yesterday.  Industry working in the area quickly contained the grass fire. SWF038 was 0.01 hectares and was confirmed extinguished by wildland firefighters.

SWF018 which was detected on April 10 is under control and has been turned over to the landowner who will extinguish it. It is located 3.2 kilometres northeast of Prairie Echo.

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 the containment lines is being scheduled.

Since January 1, 2024, 38 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 298.91 hectares. Of the 38 wildfires, one is under control, one has been turned over to the landowner and 36 have been extinguished.

In the Slave Lake Forest Area, seven wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season remain under control.
Yesterday, firefighters with helicopters worked on a hotspot on SWF060-2023. 
 
Since January 1, 2024, 309 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 14,837.34 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.

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 May 13, 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 Forestry 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.

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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. Do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.

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 FacebookTwitter or Instagram.

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If you have any questions, please contact:

Wildfire Information Officer

Leah Lovequist

Mobile:780-849-0945

Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca

RELATED INFORMATION

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