Photo credit: Slave Lake Forest Area Wildfire Information Office.

By Curtis Galbraith

Wildfires

Wildfire hazard climbs to high in Slave Lake, Whitecourt Forest Areas

Apr 17, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The wildfire hazard rating has climbed to high in the Slave Lake and Whitecourt Forest Areas.

Fire watchers in the Slave Lake area say this is because of warm temperatures and gusting wind.

There have been 16 wildfires in the Slave Lake area since January 1 that have burned close to 27 hectares. Officials say most of these were human-caused and started from winter burning piles. People are being asked to check winter burn sites to make sure the fire is out.

Three new fires started Tuesday night. All burned less than a hectare and are under control.

In the Whitecourt area, high winds are also expected. Fire watchers say “forest fuels are dry, and fire risk is serious.”

There have been five wildfires since January 1 that have burned less than three hectares. Two of those fires are under control.

People are being asked to be careful when playing or working outside.

Off-highway vehicle operators are asked to stop often to clear debris from hot spots on their machines and to avoid parking in tall grass.

Farmers are also asked to clear debris from hot spots and to have firefighting equipment, a fire extinguisher, shovel, and pail with them.

Machinery that gives off sparks should also be kept away from dry grass.