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Very High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area has climbed to very high due to warm temperatures and strong gusty winds expected today.
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 under windy conditions.
Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473). Fire lookout observers are watching for smoke and firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Wildfire situation
There was one new wildfire reported last night. SWF034 is under control and firefighters will be working to extinguish it today. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
Since January 1, 2025, 34 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 28.93 hectares.
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
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.
- Safe campfires are allowed in constructed fire rings.
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
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
This spring, many wildfires have been the result of burning without a fire permit. Burning without a valid fire permit or outside the permit conditions can result in:
- Fines up to $600
- Responsibility for costs of fighting the wildfire
Before you burn it, request your fire permit.
In the spring, dead grass is highly flammable and poses a significant wildfire risk.
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.
- Extinguish your campfire — Never leaver your campfire unattended. Soak it with water, stir the ashes, then soak it again until it’s cold to the touch.
- 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.
Contact info
Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]
Published on April 29, 2025 9:32 am