The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area remains VERY HIGH for today. Strong and gusty winds are expected in the afternoon. Although there is some precipitation in the forecast, it is not predicted to be widespread. There is more rain in the forecast for Friday. Even if we receive precipitation, severe wildfire behavior is still possible today.
Please note that smoke visible from Highway 63, Calling Lake and Sandy Lake is likely from LWF-119, which is actively burning east of the Athabasca River and west of McMillan Lake. Today's winds from the northeast will push smoke to the southwest. Visit firesmoke.ca to see how far smoke can travel. Contact 511 for road conditions related to the smoke.
Call 811 for questions about smoke, air quality, and health questions, or visit albertahealthservices.ca
Rock Island Lake Complex (LWF-099 and LWF-119)LWF-099 – OC at approx. 8600ha - 27 per cent contained
The wildfire started May 21, 2018, and is located 10 km east of Secondary Highway 813. It remains 16 km north of the hamlet of Calling Lake. Today, smoke will be seen from the community and secondary highway. The community is not being threatened at this time. Yesterday, the wildfire grew 500 ha on the south perimeter. Today, 9 airtankers, and 8 helicopters will be working to contain the south perimeter, while firefighters focus on the north perimeter, searching for smouldering ground fires. 9 pieces of heavy equipment continue to build fire guard on the east perimeter.
This photo shows the morning briefing of Division Bravo. They will be working on wildfire LWF-119 today.
LWF-119 – OC at approx. 5300 ha – 42 per cent contained
The wildfire started May 23, 2018, and remains approximately 12 km east of LWF-099, along the Athabasca River. The wildfire is west of McMillan Lake. No communities are at risk. Today, firefighters will focus on the north perimeter, looking for smouldering ground fires, while 6 heilcopters bucket on the south perimeter. Airtankers are also working on this fire.
This photo shows the highly visible smoke from the fire late yesterday afternoon.
Your next update will be tonight and will include information on all the active wildfires in the area.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758