The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area is MODERATE for Sunday. Lightning crossed the area this afternoon, and we are on the lookout for smoke or wildfires along the path.
The forecast for Sunday is for a high of 21 degrees, humidity at 30%, low chance of rain, high lightning probability and winds at SE 15 km/hr. There is more rain and wind in the forecast for Monday. Despite the rain forecast, we have received relatively little precipitation across the area. Some areas around LWF-119 have received almost no rain. The forest remains quite dry, despite the rain, and it doesn't take the wind long to dry surface fuels. For this reason, a FIRE ADVISORY is in place.
The FIRE BAN and QUAD RESTRICTION have been lifted for the Lac La Biche forest area. A FIRE ADVISORY remains in place.
Although the fire ban has been lifted, there are still very dry areas within the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Please continue to be diligent with your campfire and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use.
Allowed:
Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), backyards, or random camping areas
Charcoal briquettes
Portable propane fire pits
Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
Be mindful when operating quads in dry, grassy areas. Stop frequently and clear machine hotspots of grass and other debris that can heat up, fall to the ground, and start a wildfire.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Wildfire Situation Update 6:00 pm May 30
There are currently five active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of the five wildfires, one is classified as out of control, one is BEING HELD, and three are under control. There was little change on any of the fires today. Crews used the downturn in the weather to work on the perimeters of the fires and on hotspots while fire behavior was more subdued.
Rock Island Lake Complex (LWF-099 and LWF-119). See MAP.
There are 158 firefighters from Alberta, 21 firefighters from Nova Scotia, 22 firefighters from New Brunswick, and 35 firefighters from Ontario. Firefighters are being supported by 18 helicopters, and 9 pieces of heavy equipment.
The photo below shows some of the Nova Scotia firefighters waiting for their morning ride to work.
LWF-099 – Being Held at approx. 8,600 hectares in size
The wildfire is being held, meaning it is not expected to grow past its current boundaries. The wildfire started May 21, 2018 and remains 10 km east of Secondary Highway 813, and 14 km north of the hamlet of Calling Lake. The community is not under threat. Today, firefighters made good progress as they searched for smouldering ground fires, working from the edges of the wildfire, inwards, while 9 helicopters supported them by bucketing on flare ups inside the perimeter. 9 pieces of heavy equipment established more fire guard along the northeast and southeast perimeters.
LWF-119 – Out of Control at approx. 5,400 hectares – 61 per cent contained.
The wildfire started May 23, 2018, and has not grown in size since May 29, 2018 (note: recent size changes were because smoke prevented an accurate measurement). It 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, firefighters focused their efforts on the east, north, and south perimeters while 8 helicopters bucketed on the southeast perimeter.
The photo below shows a firefighter carrying a bag full of hose, the weight of the bag is 60 lbs., no easy task!
LWF-116, in 13-30-80-8-4 (west of Conklin) is classified as UNDER CONTROL at 1769 hectares. 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 ground fires.
LWF-108, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range is UNDER CONTROL at 31.5 hectares. Firefighters continue to patrol the wildfire area.
In addition to the firefighters on the above wildfires, we have seven crews and four helicopters ready to action any new wildfires tomorrow.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758