Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is VERY HIGH. Although there were scattered showers overnight the amount of rain is not enough to reduce the wildfire danger.
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.
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 11-12 degrees and winds will be from the northeast/southwest 15-20 kilometres per hour. There is a chance of thunderstorms with lightning this afternoon and evening.
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.
Photo: SWF042 Winter burn holdover May 14, 2024
Current wildfire situation
The local fire department and wildland firefighters responded to one new wildfire yesterday located approximately seven kilometres southeast of Kinuso. SWF042 is under control and has been turned over to the landowner who will extinguish it. The cause of the wildfire was a winter burn that was not fully extinguished. This is a reminder to anyone who has burned this winter, go back and revisit your burn site to ensure the fires are completely extinguished. With the drought conditions we are facing, a fire left smouldering will burn deep into the ground and when conditions are warm and windy, these winter burns could resurface and cause a wildfire.
SWF040 located south of Utikuma Lake has been extinguished.
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, 42 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 303.12 hectares. Of the 42 wildfires, one is under control, two have been turned over to landowners and 39 have been extinguished.
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 16, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.
Fire permits are required
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.
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
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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