Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger is EXTREME for the Lac La Biche forest area.  We do not anticipate any change until there is some relief in the weather - either precipitation, cooler temperatures or decreased winds.

The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 22, humidity of 20%, winds SE20 km/hr.  No burning tomorrow due to the winds.  There is no precipitation in the forecast.  Conditions remain extremely dry, with grass and trees very flammable and easy to ignite.  Exercise extreme caution working or playing in the forest area.

The Fire Advisory remains in place.  Safe campfires are still allowed. No burning when winds exceed 15 km/hr. Watch for this Fire Advisory to escalate this week if conditions do not change.  Check albertafirebans.ca for up to date information. 

We had one new wildfire today within the forest area.  This fire, near Chard Siding, was started by a car burning in a ditch and then moved into the grass.  This is a good reminder that the grass is still dry and very flammable.  Be careful operating quads in grassy areas.

We were called to assist in another wildfire outside the Forest Protection area today, sending personnel to advise as well as the air tankers.  This fire is in the Bruderheim area.  We have resources assisting on the fires that started yesterday in the Cold Lake area with the MD of Bonnyville, and in the Clyde area with Westlock County.

We have 11 crews, the airtankers, 9 helicopters, 8 water trucks, and three dozer groups ready to fight wildfires tomorrow.  We have several crews as well as individual resources working to provide assistance on the out-of-protection Mutual Aid wildfires.

This photo shows one of our crews loading their gear and heading to a wildfire this morning.  Thanks for your hard work today!  Crews work long days, starting early to get a jump on the fires before the winds pick up and get the fires going again.