Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area has climbed to VERY HIGH for today, and EXTREME across the south part of the area. Very strong and gusty winds are expected this afternoon. New wildfire starts may occur today, and the winds may challenge our existing fires. Even if we receive a bit of precipitation, extreme wildfire behavior is still possible under the conditions. 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 18, relative humidity of 25%, chance of showers across the southern part of the area, and winds at NW 25 km/hr gusting to 40 km/hr and switching to out of the north at 20 km/hr. 

A FIRE BAN AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RESTRICTION IS 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 9:00 am May 29th

 

There was one new wildfire yesterday.  A grass fire on a farm was quickly actioned and extinguished.

Since March 1st, there have been 127 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. 

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

Cowper Complex (LWF-121 and LWF-116)

LWF-121, near Janvier/Chard is UNDER CONTROL at 244 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 today. Fire guard has been built around 70 per cent of the wildfire. Dozers didn't work yesterday but firefighters continued to extinguish smouldering ground fires along the edges of the wildfire, reinforcing the dozer guard. Strong and gusty winds today could be challenging to to the fire perimeter. Today, crews with helicopter support will be working to secure the perimeter of the fire and strengthen the dozer guard.  Heavy equipment will be working on constructing more dozer guard on the north end and west side of the fire.  The photo below shows the fire yesterday afternoon.  There was little smoke or fire activity yesterday.

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, started May 21, 2018, and is located just over 6 km east of Rock Island Lake. It is classified as out of control at approximately 7800 hectares and is now 10 per cent contained. The wildfire remains 32 km south of Sandy Lake and 24 km east of Calling Lake. The wildfire did not grow yesterday but there were ground fires burning within the perimeter of the burn. Today, firefighters and 6 helicopters will continue working on the perimeter of the wildfire, looking for hotspots and extinguishing them. 9 pieces of heavy equipment continue to create fire guard on the east side of the fire.

LWF-119, started May 23, 2018, and remains approximately 12 km east of  LWF-099, on the west side of the Athabasca River. It is classified as out of control at 3850 hectares. Yesterday, there was some growth on the southwest corner of this wildfire, firefighters, helicopters and airtankers were able to keep the wildfire west of the Athabasca River and the wildfire remains 50 per cent contained. Today, firefighters will  continue focusing on the north perimeter of the wildfire, while 7 helicopters with buckets, and 5 airtankers will focus on the southeast corner of the wildfire.

LWF-108, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range is under control at 31.5 hectares. Firefighters use a grid system to patrol the wildfire for remaining ground fires.