The wildfire hazard is EXTREME for the Lac La Biche area. Conditions are expected to remain EXTREME for the next several days and into the weekend. Fuels like grass and sticks are extremely flammable. Exercise EXTREME caution in the forest for the balance of this week.
Low humidity levels, increasing temperatures, no precipitation and light winds have dried the forest out to EXTREME conditions. The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 24, with humidity of 15, and winds at S15. There is no precipitation in the forecast for the next several days. Temperatures are forecast to increase all week, as humidity levels decrease. This means the wildfire danger will increase throughout the week.
The Fire Advisory remains in effect. We are not issuing permits. Existing permits are valid, however we ask you to be diligent about following the conditions for a safe burn that are outlined on the back of the permits. Please avoid any unnecessary burning until we receive some precipitation and the wildfire danger decreases.
Be particularly mindful when working or playing in the forest. A spark in dry grass will quickly become a wildfire under current conditions.
We had one new wildfire today, which is extinguished. We sent resources to assist on a new wildfire in the MD of Bonnyville (55 hectares). We have 5 fires from earlier in the season (two on the long weekend) that are still burning, but are under control. There is a large fire (200 hectares) burning in the Slave Lake area.
We have 20 crews, 14 helicopters, airtankers, three cat units, seven water trucks and other heavy equipment deployed across the area.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758