Lac La Biche Area Update

Lac La Biche Forest Area Update - July 5, 2021

Posted on Mon, Jul 05, 2021

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The last two days have brought cooler and slightly more humid weather conditions. However, no significant rainfall was recorded. A return to warmer and dryer weather is forecasted for the rest of the week.

The lightning that the area received over the weekend may result in new fire starts in coming days as the warmer weather arrives.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.


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Current Situation

There are currently two wildfires burning in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Both are in the northeast corner of the Forest Area.

Fire LFW130 was discovered July 2, and was lightning caused. It is under control at 1.3 hectares.

Fire LFW129 was also discovered July 2, and lightning caused. It continues to be held at 372 hectares. The observed fire behaviour today was a smouldering ground fire with visible flame. There are 64 firefighters (28 of which arrived today), 7 management staff, 6 pieces of heavy equipment,  and 6 helicopters working to suppress the fire. At this time the fire is not threatening any lives or property. The community of Janvier is approximately 20 km to the northwest and Conklin is approximately 40 km to the southwest.

To view the wildfires on a map, download the new AB Wildfire Status App.

 

Fire Restriction wide

A FIRE RESTRICTION has been expanded and is now in place for the Lac La Biche Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions, which are increasing the fire danger.

Under this restriction:

  • Existing fire permits are suspended;
  • All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
  • Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.

 Prohibited:

  • Wood campfires on public land
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

 Allowed:

  • Wood campfires on private land
  • Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
  • Backyard fire pits on private land
  • Charcoal briquette barbeques
  • Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices

 Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

As of 10 a.m. July 5, 2021 there were 28 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta (FPA). Six of these wildfires are being held, 21 are under control, and one has been turned over to the appropriate authority.

Since March 1, there have been 704 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 3,465 ha.


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OHV SAFETY

If you are operating an off-highway vehicle, remember to stop often and check your hotspots.

An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach 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.

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

NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP

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Download the new Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and  bans across the province and much more.

Available for Apple and Android.


CAMPFIRE SAFETY

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We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended. Before leaving, be sure to soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again.


For more information between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., please contact: 

 

Melanie Morin

Wildfire Information Officer

780-623-5272

 

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