Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger is EXTREME for the Lac La Biche forest area.  

There is a FIRE ADVISORY in place.  Visit albertafirebans.ca for information on restrictions across the province.  You may have a small, safe campfire in the Lac La Biche forest area. No burning tomorrow due to excessive winds.

The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 23 degrees, humidity at 20%, no precipitation, and winds W25 km/hr gusting to 40 km/hr.  The conditions tomorrow mean any new wildfires that start will spread quickly and be difficult to contain.  The wind is the main issue tomorrow, coupled with the very low humidity levels.  

Exercise caution in the forest this weekend.  The forest is very dry; grass and trees that have not leafed out yet are extremely flammable and prone to easy ignition.  Keep campfires small and under control.  Make sure they are cold to the touch before you leave them - Soak it, Stir the ashes, Soak it again.

Be careful if operating quads in grassy areas this weekend.  Under the extremely dry conditions, it just takes a smoldering piece of grass or muskeg to fall from your machine to start a wildfire.  Stop frequently and clear hotspots of debris.

We had three new wildfires today. All fires were in the Janvier area.  So far this season we've had 72 wildfires.  We have 14 crews, the airtankers, 10 helicopters, 8 water trucks and 2 dozer groups on hand to action wildfires tomorrow.

The photo below shows one of our crews next to their helicopter.  On an VERY HIGH wildfire danger day like today, and an EXTREME day like tomorrow, crews stay very close to their helicopter as they are on immediate response.  They are in full safety uniform and have their tools loaded and ready to go as soon as we get word of a fire.  Crews also do patrols throughout the day, to watch for signs of smoke or fire in the forest.  Thanks guys - you're doing a great job.