Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area is HIGH for today. The fire danger will continue to climb as warm and windy weather is expected for the upcoming days. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). 

The forecast for today is for a high of 22, humidity of 25%, low lightning probability, chance of isolated showers tonight, and winds from the southwest 20 kilometres per hour. 

The fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction remain in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation. By following the fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction, you help keep firefighters free to fight the current wildfires and any new wildfires that may start.

A FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION  IN EFFECT FOR THE LAC LA BICHE FOREST AREA

 

A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction has been issued in the Forest Protection Area for most of northern Alberta beginning at the southern border of Big Lakes County, the hamlet of Lac La Biche and the town of Peace River, extending north to the border of Wood Buffalo National Park and Northwest Territories.

 

All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.

 

Prohibited

• All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, backcountry and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.

• Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.

• Fireworks and exploding targets.

• The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands.

 

Allowed

• Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.

• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.

• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.

 

The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. Visit albertafirebans.ca for more information or download the new Alberta Fire Bans app.

  

 

Wildfire Situation Update 12:00 pm May 27th

There were two new wildfires yesterday. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished them.

Since March 1st, there have been 125 wildfires and 13,534.05 hectares burned in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. 

There are currently six active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of the six wildfires three remain classified as out of control, two are being held and one is under control.

Photo of LWF121 taken on May 26th. LWF121 was declared being held at 9:00 pm on May 25th.

There are 120 firefighters, 23 incident management staff, 14 helicopters and 22 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to these wildfires. 

LWF121, near Janvier/Chard is classified as being held at 237 hectares. Fire guard has been built around 70 per cent of this wildfire and 30 per cent is contained by a wet area. There was no growth on this wildfire yesterday. Firefighters continue to extinguish smouldering ground fires along the edges of the wildfire .

LWF116, in 13-30-80-8-4 (west of Conklin) is classified as out of control at 1769 hectares.There was no growth on this wildfire yesterday. Fire guard has been built around 40 per cent of the wildfire and heavy equipment will continue to build fire guard on the east side today. Firefighters continue to extinguish smouldering ground fires along the edges of the wildfire .

Photo of LWF099 taken on May 26th. Firefighter extinguishing ground fires on LWF099.

Rock Island Lake Complex(LWF099 and LWF119)

There are 85 firefighters, 34 incident management staff, 14 helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment assigned to these wildfires. An additional 42 firefighters from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are on their way. 

LWF-099, east of Rock Island Lake is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 7800 hectares. There was very minimal growth on this wildfire yesterday. Fire guard has been built around 10 per cent of the wildfire. Firefighters continue to extinguish smouldering ground fires along the edges of the wildfire and heavy equipment is building fire guard on the east side.

LWF-119, to the east of LWF099 is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 3525 hectares. There was no growth on this wildfire yesterday. Firefighters and helicopters have contained 50 per cent of this wildfire. Today firefighters with helicopters continue to extinguish small open flame and smouldering ground fires. 

LWF-108, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range is being held at 38 hectares. Firefighters continue to extinguish smouldering ground fires.

LWF-117, in 1-30-80-16-4, (further west of Conklin) is under control at 25 hectares. Firefighters are patrolling the wildfire for ground fires.