The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area has climbed to VERY HIGH for today. Very strong and gusty winds are expected this afternoon, as well there is a good chance of lightning with no accompanying rain. New wildfire starts may occur today. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
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.
The forecast for today is for a high of 24, relative humidity of 30%, high lightning probability, chance of isolated showers in the morning, and winds from the south 20 kilometres per hour shifting to northwest gusting up to 60 kilometres per hour in the mid to late afternoon.
There was one new wildfire yesterday afternoon. A member of the public called 310-FIRE to report an abandoned campfire in the Pinehurst Lake area. The smouldering campfire was extinguished by firefighters.
Since March 1st, there have been 126 wildfires and 13,951.96 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 and three are under control.
Photo of LWF-121 taken on May 26th. LWF-121 was declared under control at 5:00 pm on May 27th.
Cowper Complex (LWF-121 and LWF-116)
There are 143 firefighters, 20 incident management staff, 17 helicopters and 22 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to these wildfires.
LWF-121, near Janvier/Chard is UNDER CONTROL at 237 hectares.The wildfire is 100 per cent contained. Firefighters are patrolling the wildfire and extinguishing smouldering ground fires.
LWF-116, 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 taken on May 27th 42 firefighters from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have arrived to assist with firefighting efforts.
Rock Island Lake Complex (LWF-099 and LWF-119)
There are 117 firefighters, 35 incident management staff, 14 helicopters and nine pieces of heavy equipment assigned to these wildfires.
LWF-099, east of Rock Island Lake is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 7800 hectares. The wildfire did not experience any growth 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 LWF-099, is classified as out of control and has burned approximately 3850 hectares. The wildfire is 50 per cent contained. Yesterday some growth occurred on the southwest end of the wildfire. Firefighters , helicopters and airtankers were able to keep the wildfire east of the Athabasca River. Today firefighters with helicopters continue to extinguish small open flame and smouldering ground fires.
LWF-108, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range is under control at 38 hectares. Firefighters are patrolling the wildfire for 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.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer
780-849-0945