Lac La Biche Area Update

Extreme Wildfire Hazard for Lac La Biche Area: All Permits Suspended Immediately

Posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2015

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The wildfire hazard is EXTREME for the Lac La Biche area.  All fire permits are suspended immediately.

Gusty winds and low humidity, ahead of a cold front, mean the forest protection area will be extremely volatile on Tuesday.  The wildfire hazard is Extreme.  The forecast for tomorrow is for temperatures of about 17, humidity of 30% and winds at SW 15.  Wind speed will pick up and humidity levels will drop as the front approaches.  The snow is gone, we have had no significant recent precipitation, the grass is dry and not green and there are no leaves on the trees yet.  These conditions combine to create an EXTREME WILDFIRE HAZARD.

Be particularly mindful when working or recreating in the forest for the rest of this week.  Surface fuels are very dry and succeptible to wildfire.  Gusty winds mean the dry conditions will get worse throughout the day.  Wind speeds mean any fires that start spread quickly and be difficult to control.

There is NO BURNING tomorrow.  All permits have been suspended.  You will be notified when conditions change and burning is allowed again.  In the meantime, we appreciate your support by not burning.

We have 18 crews, 12 helicopters, several cat units and water trucks across the area.  We had 10 wildfires today.  All fires have been extinguished or are under control.

Meadows and paths with dry grass are a hazard for quads and OHVs.  Be careful if you are using a quad in the forest tomorrow.  Watch your machines for debris that can build up, smoulder and fall to the ground, starting a wildfire.  Take the same path into the forest as you take to leave, and check your path along the way for smouldering grass.

Be careful in the forest tomorrow.  If you see smoke or fire in the forest, call 310-FIRE.

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.

For more information, please contact:

Leslie Lozinski

Forest Information Officer

780-623-9758