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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - May 04, 2025

Extreme wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is extreme in the Slave Lake Forest Area due to hot, dry and windy conditions.

Although scattered showers passed through the Forest Area last night, the rainfall amount was not enough to reduce the wildfire danger. As temperatures rise and the weather remains warm, any remaining moisture will quickly evaporate.

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 rapidly under windy conditions.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

A fire restriction is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Safe campfires are allowed in backyard fire rings as well as in designated rings at provincial and private campgrounds. All other forms of burning are not permitted.

Wildfire situation

There was 1 new wildfire reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area yesterday. The local fire department and Wildland Firefighters responded and quickly extinguished the small grass fire.

SWF042 located in the Peavine Metis Settlement has been extinguished.

Since January 1, 2025, 43 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 35.34 hectares. 

To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status app or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard

Ready to respond

Fire lookout observers are watching for smoke. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

Fire restriction

A fire restriction is now in effect for the central region of the Forest Protection Area.

All valid fire permits are suspended, and no new fire permits will be issued.

Prohibited: 

  • Outdoor wood campfires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas  
  • Any burning, other than a campfire
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed: 

  • Safe wood campfires in private and provincial operated campgrounds with a designated fire ring
  • Backyard firepits on private land
  • Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
  • Barbecue charcoal briquettes
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required. 

To view an up-to-date map of fire bans, restrictions, and advisories across Alberta, visit Alberta Fire Bans.

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.
  • 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.
  • Safe trailering- Before towing, always ensure your safety chains are crossed under the hitch and are not dragging. Dragging chains can cause sparks.
  • 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.

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 May 4, 2025 10:08 am