Slave Lake Forest Area - April 23, 2025
The overall wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is moderate.
Cooler temperatures and light rain have brought some relief to the area. However, this relief will be temporary as warm weather is expected to return in the coming days. Just a few hours of warm and windy conditions can quickly dry out dead grass, making it highly flammable and allowing fires to spread rapidly.
Firefighters urge everyone to use caution and report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
The fire advisory remains in effect and those holding valid fire permits must adhere to the safe burning conditions outlined on the fire permit.
Wildfire situation
There were two new wildfires last night and one today. SWF027 and SWF028 have been extinguished. SWF026 is under control and firefighters are working to extinguish it.
To view wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire App or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
Since January 1, 2025, 28 wildfires have been reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 27.8 hectares.
Firefighters burning
This week firefighters will be burning areas of dead and dry grass around communities in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
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 wildfire 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
Published on April 23, 2025 11:32 am
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]
Media inquiries
780-420-1968
[email protected]