The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area is HIGH across the northern part of the area and MODERATE across the southern part of the area for tomorrow (see map below). Some areas received rain, but it was not widespread. Due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity, the fire ban and quad restriction may change tomorrow - Visit albertafirebans.ca for up to date information.
At this time, 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 12 degrees, relative humidity of 40%, chance of showers across parts of the area, and winds at E 10 km/hr. There is more significant rain in the forecast for Saturday.
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)
There are 131 firefighters from Alberta, 21 firefighters from Nova Scotia, 22 firefighters from New Brunswick, and 35 firefighters from Ontario joined us today. Firefighters are being supported by 18 helicopters, and 9 pieces of heavy equipment.
LWF-099 – Out of Control at approx. 8600 hectares in size - 39 per cent contained.
The wildfire started May 21, 2018, and is located 10 km east of Secondary Highway 813. It remains 14 km north of the hamlet of Calling Lake. The community is not under threat at this time. Today, the wildfire did not grow in size and firefighters were able to make good progress bringing the wildfire to just under 40 per cent containment. Tomorrow, firefighters will focus on the north and perimeter looking for smouldering ground fires, while 9 helicopters will be supporting the firefighters by bucketing on flare ups. 9 pieces of heavy equipment will continue to build fire guard on the east perimeter.
LWF-119 – Out of Control at approx. 5500 hectares – 56 per cent contained.
The wildfire started May 23, 2018, and remains approximately 12 km east of LWF-099, along the east and west sides of the Athabasca River, but is west of McMillan Lake. No communities are at risk. Today, the size of the wildfire changed because the smoke cleared and a more accurate measurement of the fire was acquired. Tomorrow, firefighters will focus on the south and eastern perimeters of the wildfire looking for smouldering ground fires, while 9 helicopters support with buckets.
The photo below is of the Incident Management Team after receiving an anonymous donation of Tim Horton's coffee the other day. There's nothing like living in the bush for days and then having Tims delivered! It was like Christmas, thank you!
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 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.
In addition to the resources assigned to the above wildfires, we have six crews and four helicopters ready to action any new fires tomorrow.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
Your next update will be issued tomorrow evening.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758