Wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to HIGH. Warm temperatures and gusty winds are expected for the weekend.
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors, as areas of dead dry grass will ignite easily, and a fire will spread quickly.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Fire Lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.
Weather
For Saturday, the forecast is calling for a high of 14-17 degrees and winds will be from the southeast at 15-20 kilometres per hour gusting up to 30. On Sunday, the forecast is calling for a high of 13-18 degrees and winds from the southeast 15-25 kilometres per hour gusting up to 45.
Photos: May 3, 2024 Night vision equipped helicopters
Night vision helicopters
Led by trained firefighters these helicopters are used to fight wildfires at night. Each helicopter is equipped with a snorkel and a tank. They can draw water from shallow water sources with depths ranging from 20 to 30 inches and the tanks have holding capacities of 900 to 3700 litres.
In 2023, firefighters carried out 60 missions across 20 wildfires utilizing a night vision helicopter. So far this wildfire season, the fleet of night vision helicopters has been deployed on four wildfires, including the recent Shaftesbury fire in the MD of Peace River.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and in private backyards are allowed.
Prohibited in the backcountry and on random camping areas:
- Wood campfires.
- Charcoal briquette barbeques.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.
Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and in backyards of privately owned land:
- Safe wood campfires in designated and acceptable fire rings and fire pits.
- Charcoal briquette barbeques.
- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking www.albertafirebans.ca or by calling 1-866-394-3473.
Click the items below for new information regarding the Fire Restriction in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
Big Lakes County: The fire restriction for Big Lakes County Fire Permit Area has been lifted.
There are currently no fire restrictions in place for the towns of Slave Lake or High Prairie.
Current wildfire situation
There have been no new wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area since April 24th.
Since January 1, 2024, 32 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 292.28 hectares. Of the 32 wildfires, one is under control, one has been turned over to the landowner and 30 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 8, 2024. If you have any questions contact Leah Lovequist, the Wildfire Information Officer for the Slave Lake Forest Area, at 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:
Websites: