Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger is VERY HIGH and EXTREME for the Lac La Biche forest area for June 24. See the map below to see which area you are in.

Tomorrow's forecast is for a high of 28 degrees, humidity of 35%, with winds at SE 30 gusting to 50 km/hr and a high chance of lightning. We expect these warm temperatures and strong and gusty winds for most of the day, ahead of a cold front that should cross the area later in the evening.  There is a chance of precipitation later in the day when the cold front crosses.  This means that any wildfires that start tomorrow, before the rain, will spread quickly. Be very careful in the forest area.

We had 1 new wildfire today likely due to lightning that crossed the area two days ago. This fire is currently classified as out of control at 23 hectares.  Ground crews and the airtankers worked on this fire most of the afternoon and have done a great job on it. At last report there was no open flame.  There are no values at risk.  Crews will work as late as possible tonight and action will resume early tomorrow morning to work as much as possible before the winds cause challenges. The photo below is from earlier this afternoon.  This fire is in the northeast corner of the district, south of Kimiwan Lake.

As you can see from the photo, despite the rain, the forest is still very flammable.  Not everywhere received rain, and some precipitation was too light to make much difference.  Don't be complacent - always be mindful of the risk from wildfire.

So far this season we've had 168 wildfires. There are 12 active fires in the area - 11 are under control, and one is out of control.  Today we extinguished six wildfires!

In addition to crews working on the existing wildfires, we have an additional 7 crews, 9 helicopters, the airtankers, and three dozer groups ready to fight any new wildfires tomorrow.

If you are out and about tomorrow, and see smoke or fire in the forest, please call 310-FIRE.

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.