Due to smoky conditions and poor visibility Highway 754 remains closed. For information on the road closure check 511 Alberta's Official Road Reports.
There were three new wildfires today. Firefighters in helicopters were immediately dispatched and fought these wildfires. One is classified as out of control and two are under control.
Since June 30th, we have had 48 wildfires in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Thanks to the hardwork of firefighters 32 wildfires have been extinguished, eight are under control and two are being held.
We have six out of control wildfires burning in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Communities are not being threatened. Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment continue to fight these wildfires.
Photo of SWF 140 at 6:00 pm July 4th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 140 was caused by lightning on June 30th and is located 60 kilometres north of Red Earth Creek. This wildfire did grow under the windy conditions yesterday and is estimated to be 3500 hectares. We are constantly montioring this wildfire with aircraft.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 142 was caused by lightning on June 30th and is located 26 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake. This wildfire is estimated to be 53 hectares. 16 firefighters and two helicopters are fighting this wildfire.
Photo of SWF163 at 1:20 pm July 4th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 163 started on June 30 and is located north of kilometre 20 on highway 754. Under the windy conditions, this wildfire did grow today. Airtankers,and helicopters were able to slow the spread and dozers are building guard around the head of the wildfire. Yesterday this wildfire was accurately measured to be 750 hectares. Due to smoky conditions and poor visibility Highway 754 remains closed. For information on the road closure check 511 Alberta's Official Road Reports.
Photo of SWF175 at 12:00 pm July 4th
Slave Lake Wildfire number 175 was a holdover lightning wildfire which was discovered on July 1st and is located 36 kilometres northeast of Peerless Lake. Under the windy conditions this wildfire grew and is estimated to be 5000 hectares. We are constantly monitoring this wildfire with aircraft.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 182 started on July 2nd and is located south of Swampy Lake approximately 23 kilometers south of Loon River First Nation. A dozer guard has been completed around the wildfire and it did not spread outside of it.There are 16 firefighters and two helicopters working on this wildfire. This wildfire was accurately measured at 75 hectares.
Slave Lake Wildfire number 187 started today and is located 20 kilometres northwest of Loon River First Nation. It is 0.7 hectares. Four firefighters are fighting this wildfire.
Check the Alberta Wildfire App or click here for the location and status of these wildfires. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.
Since April 1, in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area there have been 187 wildfires that have burned a total of 10,731.75 hectares.
For information on the wildfires burning in Alberta visit the Wildfire Status Map at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App.
Wildfire Hazard
Strong and gusty winds are expected to continue into the evening.The wildfire hazard remains VERY HIGH for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Use extreme caution while out enjoying our forests and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). The forests are very dry and under windy conditions a wildfire will spread very quickly.
Weather Forecast
For tonight, the strong and gusty winds are expected to continue late into the evening. The rainshowers that are moving through the area today have been scattered. Until there is significant and widespread rain, conditions will remain dry. A wildfire will ignite easily and spread very quickly with the strong and gusty winds. For Sunday, the forecast is calling for warmer temperatures, a chance of rain and lighter winds.
Smoke
Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories is drifting into the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area. Anyone with health concerns should check the Alberta Health Services website or call 811 for 24/7 health advise from health link Alberta. For a smoke forecast map please visit Wildfire Smoke Forecasts for Western Canada.
A FIRE ADVISORY for the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area is in effect as of 10:00 am July 2. Existing permits are suspended and no new permits will be issued. Exceptions are burn barrels, smudges, sweat lodges and smokehouses.These will be allowed. A valid permit is required and conditions must be followed. Safe campfires are allowed in backyards, campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas.
Fire works in the Forest Protection Area are not allowed at this time.
Check www.albertafirebans.ca for up to date information on the fire advisory.
We thank you for your cooperation. Abiding by the fire advisory you help keep our firefighters free to fight existing wildfires any new wildfires that may start.
A dozen Ontario firefighters arrived today to help battle wildfires in the Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area.
Thanks for doing your part to help prevent wildfires.
Soak it, Stir it up and Soak it Again
Make sure your campfire is out. Soak it thoroughly, stir it up and soak it thoroughly again. Hold your hand above the ashes to check for heat. Click here to learn how you can make sure your campfire is out.
Help prevent wildfires while riding your off-highway vehicle
When riding your off-highway vehicle be sure to stop often and clean any debris from the hotspots. Unchecked, the debris can build up, begin to smolder and fall away sparking a wildfire. Click here to learn how you can prevent wildfires while riding your off-highway vehicle.
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update July 5th.
Leah Lovequist- Wildfire Information Officer
Slave Lake Wildfire Management Area
Office: 780.849.7412
Mobile: 780.849.0945
Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
To report wildfires call 310-FIRE
For information about wildfires in Alberta follow us on Twitter @ABGovWildfire or Facebook. Download the free Alberta Wildfire app for Apple and Android devices.