The quad ban and the fire ban remain in effect for the Province of Alberta.
A cold front has moved across the area, causing a dip in temperatures. The winds associated with this frontal passage are very strong and gusty meaning any new fires that start will be difficult to contain and existing fires will move according to the wind direction. Winds are not predicted to calm down this evening.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 12 degrees, humidity at 40% and winds NW20 gusting to 35. There is no precipitation in the forecast for the next several days for the Lac La Biche region. The is a chance of light precipitation in the Fort McMurray area however it may not reach the fire area.
We had two new fires today in the Lac La Biche forest area. Both fires were caught early and extinguished efficiently by our fast acting crews. We continue to look after the east portion of the Fort McMurray forest area, monitoring the fires in those areas and protecting assets where possible.
There are currently five fires in the Lac La Biche area and they are all under control. We have 27 crews, 31 helicopters, airtankers, five dozer units, nine water trucks and various other pieces of heavy equipment across the area ready to action any new wildfires. We have sent firefighters from our area to assist in Fort McMurray.
The photo below was taken at 6:30 pm tonight and is from the Fort McMurray wildfire that is burning east of the City of Fort McMurray fire. Winds from the northwest are pushing the fire and smoke towards the southeast. The fire behavior is extreme which means it is spreading quickly with continuous flame in the tree tops.
Thanks for supporting our fire fighters by doing your part to prevent any new wildfires.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758