Slave Lake Area Update

Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Update- October 8, 2024

Posted on Tue, Oct 08, 2024

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Wildfire danger

Due to strong and gusty winds expected today, the wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to MODERATE. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors as under the windy conditions a fire will spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

Weather

Starting this afternoon and into this evening, winds are expected to gust up to 50 kilometres per hour.

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There are no fire advisories, restrictions or bans in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Visit www.albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date information on fire regulations in other parts of Alberta.

Wildfire Dashboard

Current wildfire situation

There was one new wildfire yesterday. The local fire department and wildland firefighters responded and quickly extinguished the 0.01 hectare wildfire.

Currently, in the Slave Lake Forest Area, seven wildfires are under control and 149 have been extinguished.

Thanks to the hard work of firefighters, aircraft pilots and heavy equipment operators SWF 093, SWF095, SWF120, SWF124, SWF129 and SWF130 are all under control. When weather conditions allow, aerial infrared scans are being conducted on these wildfires. If any remaining hotspots are detected, firefighters are being sent to extinguish them.  

SWF068 from the 2023 wildfire season remains under control and heavy equipment is working to reclaim fire guards.

Since January 1, 2024, 155 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 39,287.28 hectares.  

Since January 1, 2024, 1,185 wildfires have been reported in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta, resulting in a total burned area of 705,503.14 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 October 11th, 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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Alberta Wildfire is hiring! We’re looking for hard-working and dedicated people to join our team as wildfire crew members for the 2025 wildfire season. 

Current Job Postings:

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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 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.
 
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Prevent wildfires

On average, 67% of wildfires in Alberta are caused by people. To help prevent wildfires this fall, please follow these guidelines:

  • Farmers: Regularly inspect your machines and clear any debris and vegetation from around hot spots. This practice helps prevent wildfires caused by overheated debris. Keeping your machinery well-maintained also reduces the risk of sparks igniting dry vegetation. Always carry firefighting equipment, including a shovel, fire extinguisher, and bucket, on your farming equipment.

  • Campers: Keep your campfires small, safe, and always attended. Before leaving the site or going to bed, ensure your campfire is completely extinguished. Soak the fire with water, stir the ashes, and soak it again to ensure it’s out. The fire is fully extinguished when you can no longer feel any heat from the ashes.

  • Off-Highway Vehicle Riders: Stop frequently to clear any debris from your machine, as materials like grass, moss, or muskeg can smolder and drop to the ground, potentially sparking a wildfire. Always carry firefighting equipment, such as a shovel, fire extinguisher, and bucket, while riding.

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FireSmart 

An estimated 90 percent of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. 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

Wildfire Information Officer

Mobile:780-849-0945

Email: Leah.Lovequist@gov.ab.ca

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