The wildfire hazard for the Lac La Biche area continues to be VERY HIGH. The Fire Advisory remains in place.
Very dry air sitting over the area is decreasing humidity levels. This lower humidity, coupled with increasing temperatures, light winds and no precipitation means surface fuels like dry grass are VERY FLAMMABLE. The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 20 with humidity of 20 and light winds at S10. Little change is forecast for the balance of the week. Moisture levels in the surface fuels will continue to dry and the wildfire hazard will continue to increase as the week progresses.
The fire advisory remains in place. This means we are not issuing new permits. Existing permits are valid, with the exception of any heavy burning. Please note - even though winds are lighter tomorrow, please avoid any unnecessary burning because the forest is very volatile under our current dry conditions. We appreciate you postponing any non-essential burning until we receive some precipitation.
Today we had one new wildfire. This fire is in the Heart Lake area and is under control. Four other fires (two from the weekend and two from earlier in the season) remain under control with crews working to extinguish them. So far this season we have had 119 wildfires in the area. We are assisting on three additional fires, outside of the Forest Protection Area. A new fire in the Crane Lake area, yesterday's fire near Buck Lake, and a fire in Westlock County.
We have 18 crews, 13 helicopters, airtankers, cat units, water trucks, and other heavy equipment positioned and working across the area.
If you are working or playing in the forest this week, please keep your eyes open for any abandoned campfires leftover from the long weekend. Also, be mindful of the wildfire hazard posed by quads. Stop frequently and clear debris from your machines. This build up of grass or muskeg can heat and dry out, smoulder and fall to the ground catching grass on fire. Winds will quickly push the flames through the grass and it will become a wildfire before you know it!
If you see smoke or fire in the forest, call 310-FIRE. Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758