Wildfire danger
Widespread rain has brought relief to the wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Firefighters wish everyone a happy and safe long weekend. They do ask for your continued cooperation in preventing wildfires. Keep your campfires small and under control. When you're finished, be sure to fully extinguish your campfire. Soak it with water, stir up the ashes and soak it again.
To report wildfires call 310-FIRE(3473).
Photo: Heavy equipment from the Slave Lake Forest Area in Fort McMurray
At this time, the Slave Lake Forest Area has deployed 170 firefighters and operators with heavy equipment to help fight wildfires in the Forest Areas of High Level, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray.
Current wildfire situation
There were no new wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area yesterday.
SWF042 located approximately seven kilometres southeast of Kinuso was detected on April 14. The wildfire 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 everyone 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.
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 23, 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
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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.
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
Forest Area Updates:
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