Wildfire Situation in the Slave Lake Forest Area
As of 10:00 am Thursday May 26
Lightning moved through the area yesterday sparking four new wildfires.
There are two wildfires over 12 kilometers east of Red Earth Creek.Last night, airtankers and helicopters with buckets were successful in knocking down the flames. As of this morning these wildfires are being held which means under current weather conditions and with current firefighting efforts the wildfires are not expected to grow. There are 17 firefighters, three helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment working on these wildfires.
The wildfire east of Panny Lookout Tower is being held at 2.0 hectares.The wildfire north of Chipewyan Lakes is under control at 0.10 hectares.
Otter Lakes Wildfire
The Otter Lakes wildfire located approximately 36 kilometers northwest of Red Earth Creek is 100 per cent contained. Firefighters continue to patrol this wildfire from the air and an infrared scan is planned for this week. The wildfire started on April 30th and has burned just over 1939 hectares.
Since April 1st there have been 66 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area and the total area burned is just over 2013 hectares.
Click here to view the Wildfire Situation in Alberta.
Wildfire Hazard for the Slave Lake Forest Area
For Thursday the overall wildfire hazard will be MODERATE for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Last night we did receive some scattered rain which helped to relieve the dry conditions in the north however it only takes an afternoon of warm weather to dry out the fine fuels like dead grass. Use caution when working and recreating in areas of dead grass as a wildfire will ignite easily and can spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Weather
The forecast for Thursday is calling for temperatures in the low twenties, winds from the east/southeast 15 kilometres per hour and a chance of thundershowers with lightning. Periods of rain are expected for Friday and Saturday.
Fire Permits
Fire permits are required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area. Campfires do not require a fire permit.
Fire permits are free and can be obtained by calling your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office.
- Slave Lake/Red Earth/Peerless/Trout 780-849-7377
- Wabasca 780-891-3860
- High Prairie 780-523-6619
By getting a fire permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of investigating the smoke in your backyard.
Spring is the time of year when wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Most if not all of the wildfires we see at this time of year are human-caused. Human-caused wildfires are 100 per cent preventable. Please do your part to prevent wildfires this spring.
A campfire left smouldering can cause a wildfire. Never leave your campfire unattended and make sure it's out. This video shows you how to make sure your campfire is out.
Your off-highway vehicle can start a wildfire. Check your off-highway vehicle frequently for any smouldering debris. Grass, muskeg, moss or other debris can drop to the ground as you're riding and spark a wildfire.This video shows you how to ride debris free!
For more information
Bookmark the Slave Lake Wildfire Update and check for updates anytime or subscribe to have it emailed to you.
Download the Alberta Wildfire app on your Apple or Android device.
You can also find us on
- Facebook,Twitter
- Youtube
- or visit www.wildfire.alberta.ca
Unless conditions change, you can expect your next wildfire update on May 26th.
Leah Lovequist -Wildfire Information Officer
Mobile: 780.849.0945 Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca
Report Wildfires 310-FIRE (3473)
