Wildfire danger
The overall wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is moderate. The wildfire danger for the west portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area, is high to very high.
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 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 and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.
Weather
For today, the high will be 19 degrees and winds will be from the west 25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 45.
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.
Current wildfire situation
The local fire department and wildland firefighters responded to one new wildfire on the evening of May 7 and it is located 4.4 kilometres west of Prairie Echo. The grass fire is under control and is 4.9 hectares in size. Firefighters are working to extinguish it.
Since January 1, 2024, 36 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 298.89 hectares. Of the 36 wildfires, one is under control, one has been turned over to the landowner and 33 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 10, 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
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.
Starting Friday, firefighters will be burning areas of dead dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning is an efficient way to remove this extremely flammable fire fuel. 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.
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
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 Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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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