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The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area remains high due to warm temperatures and strong gusty winds.
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473). Fire lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with aircraft are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Fire permit holders must postpone burning as the winds expected will exceed the safe conditions outlined on the fire permit.
Weather
For Sunday April 20, the temperature will be 10°C, with a relative humidity of 25-45 percent. North easterly winds are expected at 15-20 km/h.
Areas of dead grass are highly flammable and can spread fire quickly in the wind—use caution and report wildfires to 310-FIRE (3473)
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2025, 20 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 27.2 hectares.
Most wildfires were human caused, with the majority originating from winter burning projects. If you conducted a winter burn, return to the site and ensure the fires are completely extinguished.
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
Firefighters burning
Over the next several weeks, firefighters will be burning areas of dead dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
If you have any questions about these grass burns, contact Wildfire Information Officer Dan Troke 780-843-5772
Fire permits required
As of March 1, fire permits are required for any burning within the Forest Protection Area, except for campfires.
Fire permits are free and can be requested online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local forestry office.
- Slave Lake 780-849-7377
- High Prairie 780-523-6619
- Wabasca 780-891-3860
Fire permits help us track what is burning on the landscape. If you are burning without a fire permit or not following conditions on your fire permit you could be fined and may be responsible for the costs of fighting the wildfire.
Prevent wildfires
Human caused wildfires are preventable. Please do your part and follow these tips to help prevent wildfires:
- Check your winter burns – Fires started during the winter can smolder underground and reignite in the spring if not fully extinguished. Always ensure your winter burns are completely out.
- Get a fire permit before burning – A fire permit is required for any type of burning in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Contact your local Forestry office by calling 310-0000 or apply online for a free permit.
- Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) – Stop frequently to remove debris from hot spots on your vehicle. Always carry firefighting tools such as a shovel, pail, and extinguisher.
- Don’t park in tall grass – The heat from your vehicle’s muffler can ignite dry grass. Always park on bare ground or gravel.
- Use equipment safely – Operate spark-producing equipment away from dry grass and always have a shovel and water source on hand.
- Farming equipment – Clean debris from hot spots regularly and keep firefighting tools like a shovel, pail, and extinguisher nearby.
Fire advisory
Based on current and forecasted weather, windy conditions and a dry grass hazard, a fire advisory remains in place for the Forest Protection Area of the Slave Lake Forest Area as of April 15, 2025. All existing fire permits remain valid if weather conditions are deemed safe. New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis. Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
Big Lakes County Permit Area is currently under a fire advisory as of April 16, 2025. For up-to-date information on fire bans across Alberta, please visit Alberta Fire Ban
Contact info
Dan Troke
7808435772
[email protected]
Published on April 20, 2025 10:37 am