Warm and dry weather is keeping the wildfire hazard at MODERATE for the Lac La Biche forest area.
At this time of year, standing grass starts to dry out and turn brown. Leaves and other light fuels on the ground, like small sticks, also dry out at this time of year contributing to the fall grass wildfire hazard. With all the rain we had this summer, there is a lot of grass out there - just waiting to dry out and become a hazard this fall and next spring!
If you're hunting, recreating or working using quads in dry, grassy areas, please be mindful of the fall grass wildfire hazard. Stop frequently to check your machines for grass and muskeg that can get caught, heat up to the point of smouldering, and fall to the ground causing a wildfire.
If you're farming, remember dry fields are your welder's worst enemy. Do repairs on gravel or dirt surfaces and not where straw or swaths can catch fire. It seems like sparks from hot bearings cause a baler fire each year. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and be watchful.
Abandoned campfires can also be a problem at this time of year. Don't leave your campfires unattended! Don't assume they will go out on their own. It's more likely that they will smoulder and come alive again when the winds pick up - spreading embers with the potential to start a grass fire.
We've had a great wildfire season in the Lac La Biche forest area. We've had 62 wildfires so far this season. That's substantially lower than past years. Keep up the diligence through the fall grass hazard!
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758