Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger for tomorrow is VERY HIGH. 

The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 22 degrees, slightly higher humidity at 20%, and winds NW 15 km/hr.  The lighter winds with no gusting, in conjunction with the increased humidity, have helped to decrease the wildfire danger from EXTREME to VERY HIGH.  Despite this slight dip, the risk for wildfires tomorrow remains very significant.  

We had two new wildfires today; one in the Janvier area and one in the Smith area.  Lamont County requested assistance on a new wildfire, and we continue to provide resources to three other wildfires outside of the Forest Protection area (Westlock County near Clyde, MD of Bonnyville near Cold Lake/Pine Meadow, and Strathcona County near Bruderheim).

The Fire Advisory remains in place.  Safe campfires are still allowed.  If precipitation is not received this week, watch for a change in this status.  Visit albertafirebans.ca for up to date information as we get closer to the long weekend.

We have 14 crews, two airtanker groups (one long term retardant group of three Air Tractors with their bird dog, and one group of four Fire Boss skimmers with their bird dog), 9 helicopters, 8 water trucks, and 4 dozer groups on hand to fight wildfires in the area tomorrow.

The photo below was taken yesterday when our airtankers were assisting on the fire near Bruderheim.  If you look carefully you can see a faint red line along the edge of the smoke.  The retardant the tankers drop is colored so we can see where it lands.  An air attack officer, riding in the bird dog, makes an assessment of the fire and develops a strategy to keep the fire from spreading.  The air attack officer then instructs the airtanker pilots about where he wants them to place their loads.  Aerial attack for wildfires is very effective in containing wildfires, stopping the spread or directing the spread of the fire, and protecting values at risk.