MAY 12 @ 3PM: The Buffalo Bay Wildfire has shown no signs of fire activity since Sunday. Big Lakes County Fire Services continue to actively monitor the area to ensure public safety and respond to any changes.
A FIRE BAN remains in effect. All outdoor wood fires are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended. This applies to private residences and campgrounds.
Prohibited:
• All outdoor wood fires, including campfires in designated pits and backyard firepits
• Barbecue charcoal briquettes
• Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
• Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
• Indoor wood-burning appliances
• Open flame oil devices
Please help protect our community—stay fire smart and report any smoke or fire by calling 📞 310-FIRE (3473).
🌐 For complete fire ban info and wildfire updates, visit:
🔗 Fire Ban Order – Big Lakes County
🔗 www.alberta.ca/wildfire-status
🔗 www.albertafirebans.ca
We’ll provide further updates as needed.
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May 8 @ 3:00 PM: The Buffalo Bay wildfire continues to produce significant smoke due to ongoing dry conditions in the region. We understand this may be concerning to residents and want to assure the public that Big Lakes County Fire Services is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of our residents.
As the wildfire is located within the County Permit Area, responsibility for its management falls under Big Lakes County. Under current provincial guidelines, Alberta Wildfire resources are generally allocated to fires within the Forest Protection Area. However, should this fire present a direct threat to communities, provincial support may be requested and considered.
At this time, the wildfire does not pose an immediate risk to public safety, infrastructure, or nearby communities. Completely extinguishing the fire at this stage would require substantial County resources and taxpayer funding.
We remain committed to protecting our residents and environment while managing risks responsibly.
If you see smoke or signs of fire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Let’s work together to keep our community safe.
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May 5 @ 3:30pm: Please be advised that there is smoke in the Buffalo Bay area from the past wildfire. Big Lakes Fire Services is monitoring the situation.
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April 22 at 11:10 AM: We are pleased to report that the Buffalo Bay Wildfire has been fully extinguished. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in managing the situation.
The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area remains HIGH due to warm temperatures and strong gusty winds. Areas of dry grass are flammable, and under windy conditions, fires will spread rapidly. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).
Big Lakes County Permit Area is currently under a fire advisory as of April 16, 2025. Under this advisory:
- All existing fire permits remain valid if weather conditions are deemed safe. Weather suitable to burn are winds under 12km/hr.
- New fire permits may be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets is strictly prohibited.
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April 17 @ 12:10 PM: The Buffalo Bay Wildfire remains active and is being closely monitored by Big Lakes County Fire Services. At this time, no structures are at risk. A fire guard has been established to protect the area south of Highway 750. For the safety of emergency personnel, residents are asked to avoid the area.
Fire Advisory – Big Lakes County Permit Area
Due to warm temperatures, strong winds, and dry grass conditions, wildfire danger remains high in the Slave Lake Forest Area. As a result, a Fire Advisory remains in effect for the Big Lakes County Permit Area.
Under this advisory:
- All existing fire permits remain valid if weather conditions are deemed safe. Weather suitable to burn are winds under 12km/hr.
- New fire permits may be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- The use of fireworks and exploding targets is strictly prohibited.
Landowners who conducted winter burning or who have previously held fire permits are strongly encouraged to revisit their burn sites to ensure all fires are fully extinguished.
Firefighters urge the public to exercise extreme caution and to report any wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Fire lookouts are actively monitoring for smoke, and wildfire crews—supported by aircraft—are ready to respond to any new incidents.
This advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Further updates will be shared as they become available. For the latest information, please follow Big Lakes County on Facebook.
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April 16 @ 3:50 PM: High Prairie RCMP have opened Highway 750 from Township Road 752A to just north of the bridge.
Alberta Wildfire is assisting Big Lakes County Fire Services and Sucker Creek First Nation with the Buffalo Bay Fire. 12 firefighters and a helicopter are on the scene.
We ask residents to avoid the area to ensure the safety of emergency personnel.
Further updates will be shared as they become available. For the latest information, please follow Big Lakes County on Facebook.
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April 16 @ 2:30 PM: High Prairie RCMP have temporarily closed Highway 750 from Township Road 752A to just north of the bridge to allow emergency services to respond to the Buffalo Bay Wildfire.
The estimated duration of the closure is 2 to 3 hours.
For those needing to travel to the Hamlet of Grouard, please use Highway 679 north of High Prairie as an alternative route.
We ask residents to avoid the area to ensure the safety of emergency personnel.
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April 16 @ 9:30 AM: Big Lakes County Fire Services are actively monitoring a wildfire in the Buffalo Bay area. At this time, direct firefighting efforts are not possible due to limited access for fire apparatus. However, there is no immediate threat to infrastructure or private property. Fire Services will monitor the situation closely and will continue to assess conditions throughout the day. Further updates will be provided as needed.
