The wildfire danger rating in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is LOW. The fire ban has been lifted and a fire advisory is in effect.
Precipitation and cooler temperatures in the forecast for the next couple of days have moved the wildfire danger level back to LOW.
We had no new wildfires so far today.
We have had 82 wildfires this season.
Tomorrow we have thirteen crews, one helicopter, and one airtanker group positioned across the forest area to respond to any new wildfires.
There are currently seven wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Five of these wildfires are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible parties.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
Due to reduced wildfire hazard, advanced operational preparedness and favourable weather conditions in many areas of the province, the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area has now been revoked and a fire advisory has been put in place.
A fire advisory means Albertans in the Forest Protection Area can safely enjoy the use of a fire pit in their backyard, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire.
Permissible:
- safe wood campfires
- backyard firepits
- charcoal briquette barbecues
- use of propane, natural gas or powered appliance
- catalytic or infrared-style heaters
- safe burning with a permit
- recreational off-highway vehicle use
Not permissible:
- burning (excluding campfires) without a permit
- unattended or unsafe campfires
Permits may not be issued as usual under a fire advisory. These precautions were put in place as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan to avoid multiple disasters at a time when resources may be limited. Two hundred additional fire fighters were hired and are now trained and positioned to respond to new wildfire starts.
Restrictions can be phased back in as necessary to address wildfire risk area-by-area. We expect this fire advisory to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in Alberta, while allowing Albertans to enjoy outdoor activities as much as possible. We will re-evaluate daily.
Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
OHV restriction lifted
The off-highway vehicle restriction in effect in the High Level Forest Area, the Peace River Forest Area, the northeastern part of Slave Lake and the rural areas surrounding Fort McMurray and south to Janvier, has been lifted. This restriction can be phased back in if needed to address wildfire risk area-by-area. We will continue to evaluate the situation daily.
If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:
- OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
- It is crucial for Albertans to stop and check OHVs and the ground for any debris that may have fallen.
- Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
- Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire. Your next update will be issued on June 5 or sooner if conditions change.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758
RELATED INFORMATION
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
- Emergency Preparation
Social Media:
