Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire hazard for the Lac La Biche Area is EXTREME.  

This morning the winds were out of the south, clearing smoke out of the Conklin and Cold Lake areas.  The forecast for this afternoon is for a cold front to cross the area, bringing lower temperatures, a chance of precipitation, lightning and stronger winds from the NE at 20 gusting to 35.  We anticipate the cold front to cross over the Pony Creek fire in the midafternoon, and to reach the Burnt Lake fire by about 6pm.  

Burnt Lake Fire (Cold Lake Air Weapons Range) - LWF 122

This fire is 17,483 hectares and is classified as out of control.  The fire grew by about 500 hectares yesterday.  This morning there was mostly smouldering ground fire.  The dozers made good progress on constructing the guard last night.Today we are continuing to strengthen containment lines with ground crews and air support.  We're working on the dozer guard on the NE flank of the fire as well as on the southwest flank.

There are approximately 250 firefighters, staff and equipment operators working on this fire.  There are 17 helicopters working the fire as well as the airtankers.

Pony Creek Fire (west of Chard) - LWF 226

This fire is 1400 hectares and classified as out of control.  Heavy smoke conditions this morning prevented us from determining if the fire grew overnight.  The smoke also prevented action by the airtankers this morning.  As the smoke lifts, crews will continue to action the fire.  Winds this morning are from the NE and are clearing smoke out of the communities to the east.  We expect the fire to become more active on the southwest as the increased winds associated with the cold front reach the area this afternoon.  

The map below illustrates the approximate location of the fire last evening.