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High wildfire danger
Due to warm and windy conditions, the wildfire danger has climbed to high in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Crossover conditions are expected today. Crossover is the point at which the relative humidity is less than or equal to the temperature and this is an indicator of extreme burning potential. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors, as areas of dead grass will ignite easily, and a fire will spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
The fire advisory remains in effect and valid fire permit holders must follow the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
Fire lookouts are watching for smoke and firefighters with helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that start.
Wildfire situation
Firefighters responded to three new wildfires late yesterday afternoon. SWF029 has been extinguished, SWF030 is under control and SWF031 is being held. These three wildfires burned a total of 0.32 hectares. Today, firefighters will be working to extinguish the two remaining wildfires.
Since January 1, 2025, 31 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 28.37 hectares.
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
Firefighters burning
This week, firefighters will be burning areas of dead and dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Burning is an efficient way to remove this extremely flammable fire fuel. Trained firefighters conduct these burns under specific weather conditions to ensure the fires are controlled and to minimize the impact of smoke to roadways and communities.
If you have any questions about these grass burns, contact Wildfire Information Officer Leah Lovequist 780-849-0945
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
Spring wildfires are almost always human-caused. 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
A fire advisory is in effect for the Forest Protection Area of the Slave Lake Forest Area due to warm, windy conditions and the abundance of dry grass.
Under this advisory:
- 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.
The Big Lakes County Permit Area is also under a fire advisory.
For up-to-date information on fire bans across Alberta, please visit Alberta Fire Bans
Contact info
Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]
Published on April 25, 2025 8:58 am