The wildfire danger is EXTREME for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
The only area to receive any precipitation yesterday was Chisholm. The precipitation was not significant enough, or widespread enough to decrease the wildfire danger. Warm temperatures and winds continue to dry the forest.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 22, humidity of 25%, a slight chance of precipitation, and winds SW 15 km/hr. There is an upper ridge developing over the province and we expect conditions to remain hot and dry throughout the weekend.
There is a FIRE ADVISORY in place. Safe campfires are allowed. Other burning is restricted. No new permits are being issued and existing permits are suspended. Be very careful if operating quads in areas of dry grass this weekend.
We had two new wildfires today, for a total of 87 wildfire so far this season.
We have 16 crews, three Air Tractors and their bird dog, four Fire Boss skimmers and their bird dog, 11 helicopters, 7 water trucks, and 3 dozer units ready to fight wildfires in the area tomorrow.
The photo below shows one of our Fire Boss skimmer airtankers returning home last night from assisting on the wildfire in Saskatchewan, as well as a helicopter used for assessment flights. Our group of four skimmers and their bird dog worked on the wildfire in Saskatchewan for the past two days. Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as other provinces and states are part of a resource sharing agreement, allowing one area to help out another as needed.
As we approach the long weekend, please remember three things:
1. Call 310-FIRE as soon as you spot smoke or fire in the forest. Don't think you're going to be able to put it out yourself. Call right away.
2. Keep campfires small and under control. Don't leave them unattended. Above all - do not leave your camp spot at the end of the weekend without soaking your fire. Dump your ice and empty cooler water onto your fire pit.
3. Be mindful if operating quads in grassy areas. In just five minutes of idling, quad engines and hotspots reach over 200 degrees. Grass build up will ignite at these temperatures. Clear your machine hotspots frequently. Watch along your path for smoke or smoldering grass.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758