The wildfire danger is MODERATE for the Lac La Biche forest area. The rain received has not been significant enough to lower the wildfire threat.
The FIRE ADVISORY has been lifted for the Lac La Biche forest area. We are once again issuing wildfire permits, and you may have safe, small cooking and warming fires as well. Remember to follow the conditions on the back of your fire permits. No burning when winds exceed 15 km/hr. Winds for Monday are expected to be strong and gusty, so please exercise caution with any fires including campfires.
Wildfire Situation Update 6:00 p.m., June 5
There are currently five active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of the five wildfires, two are BEING HELD, and three are under control. There was little change on any of the wildfires today.
Rock Island Lake Complex (LWF-099 and LWF-119). See MAP.
There are 146 firefighters from Alberta, 21 firefighters from Nova Scotia, 22 firefighters from New Brunswick, and 37 firefighters from Ontario. Firefighters are being supported by 18 helicopters, and 9 pieces of heavy equipment.
LWF-099 – Classified as 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. This fire is 34% contained.
There was a very low cloud ceiling on this wildfire this morning, preventing helicopters from flying until closer to noon. As soon as they were able to fly, crews resumed work on the east and west sides of the fire, while helicopters were bucketing on the north and south sides of the fire.
LWF-119 – Classified as being held at approx. 5,400 hectares.
The wildfire is now being held, meaning it is not expected to grow past its current boundaries, it started May 23, 2018, and has not grown in size since May 29, 2018. It is 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. This fire is 34% contained.
Crews were at work early this morning on the north, south and west sides of this wildfire. On the east side of the Athabasca River there is a substantial amount of dead spruce trees as a result of spruce bud worms that attacked that area in previous years. It's very hard work fighting fire in this area as crews are working in areas of deadfall, climbing over downed trees, and digging through piles of slash to extinguish smouldering ground fires and burning tree roots.
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. Firefighters continue to patrol this wildfire for hotspots.
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 11 crews and 2 helicopters ready to action any new wildfires tomorrow.
Unless conditions change, your next wildfire update will be after 6:00 p.m., June 7, 2018.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758