Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area has dropped to MODERATE for tomorrow. Areas across the southern part of the area received precipitation this afternoon and more is expected tomorrow.  Please note that not all areas are receiving rain!  Until we receive widespread precipitation, the fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction remain in effect.  We're keeping a close eye on this and as soon as we receive enough rain to make a difference across the whole area, we will re-examine the fire ban and quad restriction.  Visit albertafirebans.ca for up to date information. 

Please note that smoke visible from Highway 63, Calling Lake and Sandy Lake is likely from LWF-119, which is burning east of the Athabasca River and west of McMillan Lake.  Tomorrow's winds from the east will push smoke to the west, towards the highway and communities in that line.  Visit firesmoke.ca to see how far smoke can travel. Call 511 for road conditions. Call 311 for smoke-related health concerns.

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 tomorrow is for a high of 15, relative humidity of 50%, chance of showers across  part of the area, and winds at E 15 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 6:00 pm May 30

 

There were no new wildfires today.  Since March 1st, there have been 129 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, two are classified as out of control, two are under control and one is being held.  There was no change in status on any of the fires today.

Rock Island Lake Complex (LWF-099 and LWF-119)

A complete update on both of these wildfires will be provided tomorrow by 10 am.  Neither fire experienced any growth today.  Airtankers, helicopters and crews continue to work diligently to contain the fires.

The photo below shows LWF-119 at noon today.  This view is looking south.  You can see that the smoke is much lighter than yesterday.  If you look carefully you can see the black or burned areas.  The redish colored lines are the retardant drops made by the airtankers.

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 continue to patrol the wildfire and extinguish smouldering ground fires.

LWF-116, in 13-30-80-8-4 (west of Conklin) is classified as BEING HELD at 1769 hectares.There was no growth on this wildfire today. Fire guard has been built around 100 per cent of the wildfire. Crews and equipment continue to work on this wildfire, reinforcing the dozer guard, extinguishing hotspots and smouldering areas.

LWF-108, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range is UNDER CONTROL at 31.5 hectares. Firefighters continue to patrol the wildfire area, looking for hotspots and smouldering fires and tree roots.