A FIRE BAN is in effect for the Province of Alberta. This means no open fires in campgrounds, in backcountry and random camping areas, or in your backyard. All fire permits are suspended and no permits are being issued until conditions change. We also recommend that you do not use quads in the forest at this time.
EXTREME wildfire danger continues. Today was a cooler day and some areas received a few drops of rain, however it was not significant enough to impact the conditions. Although we have not had any new fires in the Lac La Biche forest area today, we had three new wildfires east of Fort McMurray that we are looking after. These fires were likely started by lightning that crossed the area yesterday. The three fires burned into each other today and together are over 250 hectares. This new wildfire is about 9 miles southeast from the Fort McMurray city fire.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 18 degrees, humidity of 20% and winds SW15 km/hr. There is a chance of some precipitation.
We have 21 crews, 28 helicopters, airtankers and various pieces of heavy equipment on hand to action new fires.
This photo is of the Fort McMurray fire, from the east looking back towards the city this afternoon.
This photo is the new fire that started this afternoon, east of Fort McMurray and north of the Clearwater River.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire during this critical time. We appreciate our industry partners that have stopped operations, reduced operations, or shifted your time schedules so that you are not working in the forest during peak burning hours. We also thank everyone for not using quads under these extreme conditions.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758