The wildfire hazard for the Lac La Biche Area is EXTREME. There are currently two out of control fires in the area. We had two new fires today. One is extinguished and one is being held at .3 hectares. Five fires from earlier in the season are under control. More information on Burnt Lake fire and Pony Creek fire appears below. Additionally, we are monitoring a fire that entered Alberta from Saskatchewan. The fire is in the extreme northeast corner of our area, south of Garson Lake. The fire is about 3100 hectares on the Alberta side and has reached Kimowin Lake (map below).
The forecast for tomorrow is for cooler temperatures of 22, humidity of 25%. A cold front is expected to cross the area tomorrow afternoon, bringing a slight chance of precip but it will be accompanied by lightning, and winds NE20G35. Along with lightning potential, wind speed and direction will be an issue tomorrow. The gusting wind is anticipated to push active fires to the southwest. There is the potential tomorrow for the winds to carry embers, igniting spot fires ahead of the fire. Crews and patrols will be on the lookout for this.
Burnt Lake Fire (Cold Lake Air Weapons Range) - LWF 122
This fire is 17,483 hectares and is classified as out of control. There was active fire today on the northwest and southwest corners. We expect similar burning patterns tomorrow, as the wind continues to be from the NE at 20 gusting to 35 km/hr. Firefighters are working to prevent fire spread from moving south towards Marie Lake, and to prevent fire from crossing Ken Baker Road to the west and from reaching Foster Creek facilities to the northwest. The south flank, with dozer guard, held well today. Tomorrow we plan to continue to strengthen containment lines with ground crews and air support. We plan to work on a dozer guard on the NE flank of the fire and to continue to work on the SW dozer guard.
There are approximately 250 firefighters, staff and equipment operators working on this fire. There are 17 helicopters working the fire and the air tankers added their support today as well.
An updated map is not available at this time. The photo below shows the activity this afternoon.
Pony Creek Fire (west of Chard) - LWF 226
This fire is 1400 hectares and classified as out of control. The fire was active today, advancing on the west flank and also on the south flank. The fire is burning between Pony Creek and Waddell Creek. There are numerous pipelines and well sites in the area, as well as a powerline, rail line, and major Telus facility. Yesterday's retardant line is protecting the power line. Two facilities voluntarily evacuated non-essential personnel today as a precautionary measure (due to smoke concerns).
The map below illustrates the approximate location of the fire this evening.
We are working to construct dozerline around the fire and utilizing airtankers and helicopters wiith buckets to contain the fire. Ground crews are working to secure the dozer guard.
There are 4 helicopters, airtankers, and approximately 70 firefighters, staff and heavy equipment working on this fire.
The photo below is from earlier this afternoon.
We are monitoring the fire that entered our area from the Saskatchewan side. The fire is about 3100 hectares on the Alberta side. See map below for the location. We do not have resources actioning this fire at this time. Daily assessments and patrols are being made.
Other Area Info:
Today we had two new wildfires. One is extinguished and one is
We have 18 crews, 17 helicopters, three cat units, five water trucks and other heavy equipment working across the area.
There is a fire ban in place: No burning, No Campfires. Propane bar-b-que's only.
We are not issuing permits and all existing permits are suspended. The forest is critically dry and volatile.
There are a number of high priority fires in the Province. LWF 122 and LWF 126 are among the top priority fires in the Province.
Please remember that quads start an alarming number of wildfire each season. Dry forest conditions are particularly sensitive to hot quads. RIDE DEBRIS FREE! Clear debris like dry grass and muskeg from your machines and prevent it from heating up, smouldering and falling to the forest floor along your path.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire. Following the Fire ban helps keep our firefighters free to fight major fires that threaten human life and communities.
Your next update will be issued by noon tomorrow, once overnight reports are in.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758