The EXTREME wildfire hazard and FIRE RESTRICTION continue.
A FIRE WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect for tomorrow. Fire weather advisories are only issued under exceptional circumstances. Tomorrow's forecast is for a high of 18 degrees with humidity of 20% and winds NW25 gusting to 40 km/hr. Although the temperature is a little cooler tomorrow, the winds are strong and gusty and mean any fires that start tomorrow will spread quickly.
We had one new fire today. This fire was along the east side of Highway 881 near Heart Lake. Thanks to many hours in the sky and on the ground, we were able to hold this fire at 14.5 hectares. Airtankers, helicopters and ground crews worked this fire all afternoon. Dozers were able to put a guard around the fire by early this evening. We will continue to action this fire.
There are six fires in the area. Five are under control and the new fire near Heart Lake is being held. There are no evacuations in the Lac La Biche forest area.
Effective tomorrow at 0700, the Lac La Biche forest area will be looking after the east side of the Fort McMurray forest area, and the Slave Lake forest area will be looking after the west side of the Fort McMurray forest area.
For tomorrow we have 23 crews, 27 helicopters, airtankers, four dozer units, several water trucks and various other heavy equipment across the area to action new wildfires.
Several companies have reported that they are reducing their work in the forest this week to lighten the strain on the highways and that they are not using quads. We appreciate your support and thank you for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758