The wildfire hazard for the Lac La Biche area is EXTREME.
We had one new fire today, which out of control at 1,000 hectares. This fire is to the east of Burnt Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. The fire is travelling in a northwest direction. Significant resources including airtankers, helicopters with buckets, ground crews and heavy equipment groups have been actioning this fire since mid-afternoon. Work will continue through the night and tomorrow. The extremely dry forest conditions mean this wildfire is very difficult to control. Surface fuels are highly responsive to wind shifts and the forest is extremely volatile.
There is a fire advisory in effect for the area. No burning except small, controlled campfires. All permits are suspended and we are not issuing any permits for any burning of any kind.
There is a fire restriction in effect for the western part of the area covered by the MD of Lesser Slave Lake and the MD of Opportunity. A fire restriction means no burning, and NO CAMPFIRES unless you are in an approved campground.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 26 with low humidity of 15% and winds E10. There is no precip in the forecast for the weekend. There is a chance for lighting tomorrow afternoon, which could be very hazardous with the dry forest conditions.
Be diligent in the forest tomorrow. A spark can be disastrous. Call 310-FIRE if you see smoke or fire in the forest.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758