The forecast for today is for a high of 24 degrees Celsius,with wind west 20km/hr and gusts up to 40km/hr today; little chance of rain in the Lac La Biche Wildfire Management Area. Warm, dry conditions keep the wildfire hazard at VERY HIGH.
Thank you for your continued support Alberta, our firefighters know it! This is a sign posted in the beautiful town of Bonnyville, Alberta.
Local Wildfires
In the last 24 hours there have been three new wildfire starts in the Mangement Area; all of which were under 1.0 hectares in size. They were all quickly extinguished by the hard work of our firefighters.
LWF 122 - Burnt Lake Fire (approx. 40 km north of Cold Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range)
Status: .The fire has not grown in 7 days, thanks to the hard work of our firefighters! It remains classified as out of control at 31,334 hectares in size.
Current activity on the fire: There are areas of open flame (torching) happening within the perimeter of the fire which are creating smoke. Firefighters continue to work in safe areas, moving from the perimeter to the centre of the wildfire, putting out smoldering ground fires (hotspots) and extinguishing any open flames as they come across them. They are using various hand tools including shovels, water packs, axes and their hands! Helicopters are helping by transporting crew members and bucketing on the wildfire when needed. Heavy equipment continues to work on creating a fire guard around the perimeter.
Some industry employees are able to re-enter the Cold Lake Weapons Range (CLWR) where wildfire is not affecting facilities. Some areas within the wildfire are still restricted for industry staff; contact your respective company to find out your status.
What is the plan for tomorrow? We will continue working from the perimeter to the interior of the wildfire working to completely extinguishing the burn.
LWF 126 - Pony Creek Fire (located approx. 3 km south west of Chard)
Status: This wildfire started May 25th and because of the hard work of our firefighters it has grown very little since then. As of June 1st, it has been classified as being held at 3,001 hectares in size.
How many firefighters are working on this fire? There are currently163 firefighters as well as 9 helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment.
Current activity on the fire: firefighters continue the hard work of being on the ground, searching for smoldering ground fires (hotspots) and extinguishing them if found. Firefighters on air patrols are identifying and bucketing on open flames that start from hotspots.
LWF 135 is just under 2km south east of the Crowe Lake Provincial Park, east of Hwy 63. The wildfire remains under control at 1.7 hectares. Firefighters are monitoring the site, ensuring the wildfire is extinguished.
ASK-001 (The David Wildfire) (located both in Saskatchewan and in Alberta around Garson Lake)
Status: The wildfire remains classified as out of control at 10,397 hectares in Alberta and 36,383 hectares in Saskatchewan.
Current activity on the wildfire: Saskatchewan firefighters are working on establishing fire guards around the perimeter of the wildfire with the help of heavy equipment. They are working to bring this wildfire under control.
Our wildfire managers are in communication with our Saskatchewan counterparts and continue to receive daily updates. Here is the latest map:
We have 16 crews, 13 helicopters, airtankers and various heavy equipment positioned across the area to quickly attack new wildfire starts. We are ready!
We were able to spend some time yesterday with the Smokey Lake Junior Forest Wardens at our Airtanker base in Lac La Biche. Helping our future firefighters practice some of their skills and learn about life as a firefighter in Alberta!
Provincial Wildfires
Alberta currently has 40 wildfires. Five are out of control, six are being held, 27 are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible party. Visit our wildfire status map on our website at www.wildfire.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Wildfire App for more information on what is happening throughout the province.
Forest conditions are extremely dry and volatile, wildfires can start easily and grow fast under these conditions. We cannot control the weather but we can control the start of a wildfire. Your co-operation with the local fire restriction or ban helps keep our firefighters free to fight new wildfire starts.
If you live or work with in the Forest Protection Area (FPA) be aware that a provincial fire restriction is in place. Check albertafirebans.ca to learn more.
Other jurisdictions, including towns, summer villages, counties and provincial parks, have issued fire restrictions or bans. Restrictions differ between each municipality. To find out how you are affected albertafirebans.ca daily for detailed information about your local ban or restriction.
What can you do to help?
Abide by the local fire restriction or ban. If you are using an Off-highway Vehicle during your day, periodically stop and check your vehicle for the build-up of grass, branches or debris. This material can catch fire and drop from your vehicle as you drive and start a wildfire. Learn more here.
Your next update will be June 8th, unless conditions change.
For more information, please contact:
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
On behalf of Leslie Lozinski