Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- May 29, 2024

Posted on Wed, May 29, 2024

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Wildfire danger

Due to recent and expected rain, the wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is LOW. A fire can still ignite but is not expected to spread to deeper vegetation layers or larger fuels, such as trees.  Firefighter ask that you continue to be cautious and report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Current wildfire situation 

There have been six new wildfires since this past weekend. Of the six new wildfires, four were caused by lightning and two were human caused and are under investigation. Firefighters quickly contained these wildfires, five have been extinguished and one is under control.

SWF050 which was detected on May 28 is located in the Faust Area. The wildfire is 0.3 hectares and is under control. Firefighters are working to extinguish it.

SWF018 which was detected on April 10 and was  located 3.2 kilometres northeast of Prairie Echo has been extinguished.

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, 50 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 314.76 hectares. Of the 50 wildfires, two are under control and 48 have been extinguished.

In the Slave Lake Forest Area, four wildfires from the 2023 wildfire season remain under control.
Today SWF063, SWF064 and SWF057 have been declared extinguished.

Since January 1, 2024, 360 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 28,088.7 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 June 5th, 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.
 
Fire works
 
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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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

Forest Area Updates:

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