The forecast for today is for a high of 24 degrees Celsius,with wind gusts up to 40km/hr today and tomorrow with little chance of rain in the Lac La Biche Wildfire Management Area. Warm, dry conditions keep the wildfire hazard at VERY HIGH.
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.
Local Wildfires
How did you spend your Saturday morning? This is how our firefighters spent theirs: planning, strategizing and getting to work!
We had one new wildfire start today. LWF-136 was located near the town of Conklin but was quickly extinguished by our firefighters. It was 0.1 hectares in size.
LWF 122 - Burnt Lake Fire (approx. 40 km north of Cold Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range)
Situation remains the same.
Status: the wildfire remains classified as out of control and is 31,334 hectares in size.
How many firefigthers are working on this fire? Currently there are 257 firefighters fighting this wildfire, including firefighters from Ontario and British Columbia as well as 28 aircraft and various pieces of heavy equipment.
Current activity on the fire: firefighters are 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; helicopters are helping by transporting crew members and bucketing on the wildfire when needed. 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 towards completely extinguishing the burn.
LWF 126 - Pony Creek Fire (located approx. 3 km south west of Chard)
Situation remains the same as yesterday.
Status: The wildfire remains being held at 3,001 hectares in size.
How many firefighters are working on this fire? Currently180 firefighters as well as 9 helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment.
Current activity on the fire: firefighters continue the hard work of searching for hotspots and extinguishing them if found. Firefighters on air patrols are quickly identifying and bucketing on open flames that start from smoldering ground fires.
ASK-001 (The David Wildfire) is located both in Saskatchewan and is around the Garson Lake area in Alberta.
Status: The wildfire remains classified as out of control at 7,374 hectares in Alberta and 35,476 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:
LWF 135 is just under 2km south east of the Crowe Lake Provincial Park, east of Hwy 63. The wildfire remains under control at 1.70 hectares. Firefighters are monitoring the site, ensuring the wildfire is extinguished.
We have 16 crews, 11 helicopters, airtankers and various heavy equipment positioned across the area to quickly attack new wildfire starts. We are ready!
Provincial Wildfires
Alberta currently has 43 wildfires. Three are out of control, seven are being held, 31 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.
What can you do to help?
Abide by the local fire restriction or ban. If you are using an 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; acting like a drip-torch it can start a wildfire. Learn more here.
Your next update will be June 7th, unless conditions change.
For more information, please contact:
Shannon Stambaugh | Wildfire Information Officer
On behalf of Leslie Lozinski