The forecast for today is for a high of 24 degrees Celsius, wind south 20km/hr in the majority of the Lac La Biche Wildfire Management Area. We are expecting rain or thundershowers this evening with the potential for lighting. Warm, dry conditions keep the wildfire hazard at VERY HIGH.
We expect the wildfire hazard to continue to climb over the weekend as warmer temperatures and winds dry the forest. For your safety, there is a fire restriction in place learn more below or go to Albertafirebans.ca.
Local Wildfires
Soak it, stir it soak it again has become the mantra for our firefighters. Deep burning, smoldering ground fire requires long hours of back breaking labor to soak, dig up, stir and soak again.
LWF 122 - Burnt Lake Fire (near Cold Lake)
Status: is located approximately 40 kilometres north of Cold Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range and remains classified as out of control and is 31,334 hectares in size.
How many firefigthers are working on this fire? Currently, there are 269 firefighters fighting this wildfire, including firefighters from Ontario, British Columbia and Parks Canada. As well as 16 aircraft and various pieces of heavy equipment.
Current activity on the fire: firefighters continue moving from the perimeter to the centre of the wildfire, putting out smoldering ground fires (hotspots) and attacking any open flames as they move. They are using various hand tools; helicopters are helping by transporting crew members and bucketing on the wildfire when needed. Equipment continues to work on creating a fire guard around the perimeter.
Some industry employees are able to re-enter the Cold Lake Weapons Range (CLWR) where wildfire is not affecting facilities. Some areas within the wildfire are still restricted for industry staff; contact your respective company to find out your status.
What is the plan for tomorrow? We will continue working from the perimeter to the interior of the wildfire working towards completely extinguishing the burn.
LWF 126 - Pony Creek Fire (Northwest of Conklin)
Status: The wildfire is located approximately 3 kilometres south west of Chard and remains being held at 3,000 hectares, this means we are not expecting it to grow past it current boundaries.
How many firefighters are working on this fire? Currently, 185 firefighters as well as 10 helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment.
Current activity on the fire: crews are searching for hotspots and will extinguish them if found. Air patrols will continue so we can quickly identify and action wildfire that starts from smoldering ground fires that resurface and catch standing trees on fire. Aircraft will support ground crews by transporting them and bucketing with water as needed.
The Rest of the Area
LWF 135 is just under 2km south east of the Crowe Lake Provincail Park, east of Hwy 63. The wildfire remains under control at 1.70 hectares. Firefighters are monitoring the site, ensuring the wildfire is extinguished.
ASK-001 (Saskatchewan Wildfire - named the David Wildfire) remains classified as out of control at 7, 953 hectares in Alberta and 35,150 hectares in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan firefighters continue to fight this wildfire. Our wildfire managers are in communication with our Saskatchewan counterparts and are receiving daily updates.
photo: a view of the David Wildfire - June 4
We have 16 crews, 11 helicopters and various heavy equipment positioned across the area to quickly attack new wildfire starts.
Provincial Wildfires
Alberta currently has 39 wildfires. Two are out of control, six are being held, 29 are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party. Visit our wildfire status map on our website at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App for more information on what is happening throughout the province.
The fire restriction remains in place for north and central parts of the province's Forest Protection Area (FPA). Other jurisdictions outside the FPA, including municipalities and provincial parks, may issue their own fire restrictions or bans. Please check albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information about restrictions and locations.
Forest conditions are extremely dry and volatile. We can not control the weather but we can control the start of a wildfire. Please do not do any burning at this time. Your co-operation with the fire restriction helps keep our firefighters free to fight new wildfire starts.
Here are some commonly asked questions about the fire restriction:
Are backyard campfires allowed?
No. Campfires are prohibited on private property (example -backyard fire pit) as well. Wood campfires in backcountry or random camping areas, charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches are restricted as well.
Are fire permits allowed?
No. All fire permits are suspended or canceled and no new fire permits will be issued until further notice.
What does this mean for industry members?
A fire restriction means no industrial burning (brush piles, windrows, slash piles). Continue to abide by your Industrial Wildfire Control Plan. Suspend all non-essential flaring at this time.
What can you do to help?
Abide by the fire restriction. If you are using an an Off-highway Vehicle during your day, periodically stop and check your vehicle for the build up of grass, branches or debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire. Learn more here.
Your next update will be June 6th, unless conditions change.
For more information, please contact:
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
On behalf of Leslie Lozinski
780-706-5336