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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - April 30, 2025

Very High wildfire danger

Scattered showers moved through the Slave Lake Forest Area yesterday, however the amount of rain was not significant enough to reduce the wildfire danger. The wildfire danger remains very high across the Slave Lake Forest Area.

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 were no new wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area yesterday.

Since January 1, 2025, 35 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 29.93 hectares. 

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status 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.

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.
Alberta Wildfire App Stay informed this wildfire season. Get real-time updates by downloading the Alberta Wildfire App.

Find wildfire information

We've updated the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard. This interactive map and display provides wildfire locations, statistics and more in one convenient location. 

The AB Wildfire Status app remains the best option to view wildfire information on a mobile device.  
Apple Store 
Google Play  

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]

Published on April 30, 2025 9:31 am