Lac La Biche Area Update

EXTREME Wildfire Hazard Continues

Posted on Wed, May 18, 2016

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The wildfire hazard for tomorrow is EXTREME.  Warm, dry, windy conditions are holding the wildfire hazard at EXTREME.  The FIREBAN and the QUAD RESTRICTION remain in place for our area.

We had two new wildfires this afternoon.  One is extinguished.  The other fire is classified as out of control, and is about 8 kilometers west of Janvier.  The wildfire started west of the railway tracks and moved eastward, crossing the tracks, as it was pushed by the winds.  This fire is presently about 50 hectares. Multiple airtankers have been working on this fire continuously since early this afternoon. Dozers are working to build guard around the fire, and will work through the night.  

At this time there is no impact to the communities of Janvier or to Highway 881. Tomorrow we are expecting north east winds which will push the fire away from the community and the highway.  There is a substantial area to the south of the fire that could be at risk tomorrow. Those same winds could be expected to bring smoke from the Fort McMurray fire into the Janvier/Conklin area.  If conditions allow, and smoke does not prevent it, airtankers will work on this fire again tomorrow morning.

The following are in close proximity to the wildfire: Kettle River Camp (5.5 km N), Moose Haven Lodge (4 km SE), Industrial Waste Site (5.5 km N), Oil and Gas site (3 km SE), Alpac Log Deck (3 km E), as well as two trapper cabins.  Winds and smoke tomorrow will be key to fire progress.

We have substantial airtankers working this fire as well as two helicopters with buckets, two dozer units, two Hagglunds, two Nodwells, and five crews.

The photo below was taken at 3:45 this afternoon, looking south. 

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We have 19 crews, 14 helicopters, airtankers, dozers, water trucks and other heavy equipment on hand in the area, ready to fight any new wildfires.

The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 21 degrees, humidity of 35%, and winds NE25 gusting to 40 km/hr.  The higher humidity will be welcome, although we are not expecting any precipitation in our area.  Tomorrow's gusty winds will mean any new fires that start will spread quickly and be difficult to contain.  Winds will also make existing fires difficult to fight, and smoke may complicate access.

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.  Again, thanks for your patience while we wait for some significant rain to come our way.  Maybe Sunday.  In the meantime, keep your quads parked and think of the firewood you're saving by not having a campfire!

For more information, please contact:

Leslie Lozinski

Forest Information Officer

780-623-9758