Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- May 2, 2024

Posted on Thu, May 02, 2024

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Wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is currently LOW. 

Although we did receive rain, it won't take long for areas of dead grass to become flammable with the warm and windy weather expected for the upcoming days.

Firefighters ask that you continue to follow the fire restriction and use caution when working or recreating outdoors. To report a wildfire call 310-FIRE (3473). Fire Lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.

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Firefighters burning grass

Starting today, firefighters will be conducting controlled grass burns around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Burning is an efficient way to remove the extremely flammable fire fuel and this helps to protect communities from the risk of wildfire.

Trained firefighters conduct these burns under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and to minimize the impact of smoke to roadways and communities.

If you have any questions about these grass burns contact Wildfire Information Office Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945.

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A fire restriction remains in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area due to the persistent drought conditions. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca to view the interactive map with details.

Under this restriction:

  • Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.
  • Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and in private backyards are allowed.

Prohibited in the backcountry and on random camping areas:

  • Wood campfires.
  • Charcoal briquette barbeques.
  • The use of fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and in backyards of privately owned land:

  • Safe wood campfires in designated and acceptable fire rings and fire pits.
  • Charcoal briquette barbeques.
  • Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca or by calling 1-866-394-3473.

Click the items below for new information regarding the Fire Restriction in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Fire Restriction Poster

Fire Restriction Factsheet

Big Lakes County: A fire restriction is also in effect for Big Lakes County Fire Permit Area. Fire restriction information is posted on the Big Lakes County Facebook page and www.albertafirebans.ca

Report wildfires 2022

Current wildfire situation 

There have been no new wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area since April 24th.

SWF027 located between Canyon Creek and Widewater was declared extinguished on April 29th at 1:09 pm.

Since January 1, 2024, 32 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 292.28 hectares. Of the 32 wildfires, one is under control, one has been turned over to the landowner and 30 have been extinguished.
 
In the Slave Lake Forest Area, eight wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season remain under control.
Firefighters are extinguishing a hotspot on SWF116-2023 which is located 30 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lakes.
 
Since January 1, 2024, 249 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 5,586.3 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 8, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 780-849-0945.

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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.
 
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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

Forest Area Updates:

Websites: