HIGH Wildfire Danger/FIRE Advisory in Effect - Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger rating in the Lac La Biche Forest Area continues to be HIGH. The fire ban has been lifted and a fire advisory is in effect.

The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 20 degrees, 25% humidity and winds NE 15 km/hr. The forecast for the next two days is warm and dry, indicating the fire danger will continue to be High into the weekend.

We had one new wildfire so far today. There are no active wildfires in the area at this time.

We have had 76 wildfires this season.

Tomorrow we have nine crews, four helicopters, and one airtanker group positioned across the forest area to respond to any new wildfires.

There are currently eight wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. One of these wildfires is being held, three are under control and four have been turned over to the responsible parties.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.

Fire Advisory - FB

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

Due to reduced wildfire hazard, advanced operational preparedness and favourable weather conditions in many areas of the province, the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area has now been revoked and a fire advisory has been put in place.

A fire advisory means Albertans in the Forest Protection Area can safely enjoy the use of a fire pit in their backyard, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire.

Permissible:

safe wood campfires
backyard firepits
charcoal briquette barbecues
use of propane, natural gas or powered appliance
catalytic or infrared-style heaters
safe burning with a permit
recreational off-highway vehicle use

Not permissible:

burning (excluding campfires) without a permit
unattended or unsafe campfires

Permits may not be issued as usual under a fire advisory. These precautions were put in place as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan to avoid multiple disasters at a time when resources may be limited. Two hundred additional fire fighters were hired and are now trained and positioned to respond to new wildfire starts.

Restrictions can be phased back in as necessary to address wildfire risk area-by-area, allowing Albertans the freedom to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. We will re-evaluate daily.

We expect this fire advisory to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in Alberta, while allowing Albertans to enjoy outdoor activities as much as possible.

Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

OHV restriction lifted

Because of the precipitation in many areas of the province, the off-highway vehicle restriction in effect in the High Level Forest Area, the Peace River Forest Area, the northeastern part of Slave Lake and the rural areas surrounding Fort McMurray and south to Janvier, has been lifted. This restriction can be phased back in if needed to address wildfire risk area-by-area. We will continue to evaluate the situation daily.

If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:

OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
It is crucial for Albertans to stop and check OHVs and the ground for any debris that may have fallen.
Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.

Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected areas.

The photo below shows Hac Leader Jake teaching hose laying and nozzle technique to some of our new firefighters.

hose class