This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Status of wildfires
There are presently 87 wildfires in Alberta, 23 of which are out of control. These active wildfires have burned approximately 191,000 hectares of land. In the Lesser Slave Lake area alone, 17 wildfires are burning out of control.
- wildfire in Slave Lake is out of control and has burned approximately 2,000 hectares
- wildfire along south shore of Lesser Slave Lake is out of control and has burned 15,000 hectares
- wildfire 23 km south of Loon Lake is out of control and has burned approximately 30,000 hectares
- wildfire 15 km southeast of Gift Lake is out of control and approximately 1,800 hectares
- wildfire 7.5 km northeast of Red Earth Creek is out of control and approximately 5,000 hectares
- wildfire burning north of Fort McKay is out of control and approximately 5,000 hectares
- wildfire 27 km south of Kinuso is out of control and approximately 3,000 hectares
- wildfire 13 km northwest of Cadotte Lake is out of control and approximately 590 hectares
- wildfire 7 km north of Janvier is out of control and approximately 900 hectares
- wildfire approximately 5 km south of Chisholm is being held at approximately 516 hectares
- wildfire in Richardson Backcountry is approximately 110,000 hectares and burning on both sides of the Athabasca River
Fire bans are now in place across the province on all land in Alberta. The fire bans include fireworks, are effective immediately and in place until further notice. Exceptions are federal lands where there are no fire control agreements, such as some National Defence lands, First Nations reserves outside of forest protection areas, and urban municipalities: cities, towns, villages and summer villages. Urban municipalities are encouraged to consider fire bans in their jurisdictions. For current fire ban information, visit www.albertafirebans.ca
Firefighting efforts
Province wide, Alberta has deployed approximately 1,000 firefighters, including 120 who arrived Monday from British Columbia. The province has also deployed 124 helicopters, 20 air tankers and scores of heavy ground-based machines. Approximately 85 firefighters from Ontario and 200 additional firefighters from British Columbia have arrived in Alberta and are preparing to be deployed.
Evacuations
In addition to the evacuation of Slave Lake, there are mandatory evacuation orders in place for Loon River First Nation, Red Earth Creek, Woodland Cree First Nation and parts of the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River including Wagner, Widewater, Canyon Creek, Assineau, and the Poplar Lane Subdivision east of Slave Lake. Northern Sunrise County has issued evacuation advisories for Little Buffalo and Marten Lake.
- Westlock Community Hall, 10711-104 Ave. (www.westlock.ca, 780-349-8744)
- Athabasca Multiplex, #2 University Dr. (780-675-2967)
- Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515-118 Ave. (www.edmonton.ca, 780-442-5311)
Reception centre services
A variety of services are being offered to evacuees at reception centres in Athabasca, Edmonton and Westlock, including:
- Meals and snacks
- Counseling and spiritual support services
- Children’s play areas and organized recreation activities
- Clothing, blankets and toiletries distribution
- Onsite medical assistance
- Pet centres with veterinary care
- Computers and internet access
Evacuees with alternate accommodations
All displaced residents should call the Red Cross Central Registration Inquiry Bureau to register their information at 1-800-565-4483. By registering, loved ones are able to check on the status and location of displaced residents.
Road closures
Travel in and around Slave Lake continues to be restricted for safety reasons:
- All access into Slave Lake is closed. Evacuation access out of Slave Lake is available on Highway 2 eastbound
- Highway 2 is closed west of Slave Lake from Highway 33 to the Town
- Highway 2 is closed east of Slave Lake to the Misue turnoff
- Highway 88 is closed north of Slave Lake up to Highway 986, located south of Red Earth Creek
- Highway 750 is closed from Highway 679 to Highway 88
Air Quality
Due to deteriorating air quality caused by forest fires in northern Alberta, northern residents should take precautions against potential health risks associated with current air conditions. People with respiratory conditions are advised to remain indoors, keep their windows closed and limit outdoor physical activity. People who experience difficulty breathing should consult their physicians. Residents can contact Health Link Alberta to speak to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, toll-free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
Health
Patient Information: Families of patients who have been relocated can call 1-866-301-2668 for information and status updates on patients who have been relocated from the Slave Lake Healthcare Centre.
Water advisory for the Town of Slave Lake
Due to high utilization and potential disruption of the water treatment and delivery system caused by the wildfire in Slave Lake, residents remaining in the area are advised that the water supply is not potable, and should not be used for any drinking, cooking or bathing/washing purposes. An alternate source of water should be used at this time.
Income Support
Displaced residents who are receiving Alberta Works income support or learner benefits by cheque are advised to call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.
Arrangements will be made to have payments sent to affected clients. All clients who receive their benefits by direct deposit will have their benefits paid by May 27.
Lost Identification
Evacuees who require Driver’s Licence, Identification Card or Birth Certificate replacement should visit their nearest Registry Agent office. Identification will be replaced within 3 to 4 days. A list of Registry Agents can be found on the Service Alberta website at www.servicealberta.ca or call Alberta Registries at 780-427-7013.
Education
Residents should contact their local school board to determine what arrangements are being made to support student learning while they are displaced. School authorities are posting information on their websites for affected families.
- Living Waters Catholic School District Toll free: 1-888-434-7348
- High Prairie School Division Toll free: 1-877-523-3337
- Northland School Division Toll free: 1-800-362-1360
Contact Numbers:
- Albertans can call toll-free to 310-4455 to access current information about the wildfire situation such as Red Cross information, highway closures, and websites to visit for more information.
- Red Cross Central Registration Inquiry Bureau is: 1-800-565-4483.
- Any family members who are looking for information on where medical patients were moved can call Alberta Health Services at 1-866-301-2668.
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