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Very High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is very high in the Slave Lake Forest Area due to hot, dry and windy conditions.
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.
When riding your off-highway vehicle, stop frequently to check for and remove any debris buildup around your machine's hot spots, such as the exhaust and engine areas.
Wildfire situation
This afternoon, smoke is visible in the Buffalo Bay area located southwest of Grouard. Big Lakes County Fire Service is monitoring the situation. For updates visit the Big Lakes County Website.
Yesterday, 3 new wildfires were reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Thanks to the swift response from local fire departments and wildland firefighters, all 3 were quickly extinguished.
Some of the recent wildfires have been caused by machinery such as off-highway vehicles and lawn mowers. Firefighters are reminding everyone that dry, dead grass can ignite easily from sparks or friction. Please use extreme caution when operating equipment in areas of dead grass.
Since January 1, 2025, 47 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 35.59 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 and make sure it's extinguished. 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.
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Published on May 5, 2025 10:12 am