The wildfire danger continues to be EXTREME for the Lac La Biche forest area. We don't expect this to change unless we receive widespread precipitation across the area.
The FIRE ADVISORY remains in place. All permits are suspended, effective 5 pm May 17. No new permits are being issued. No burning barrels or other burning please. You may have a small, safe campfire. Have water nearby to extinguish your campfire. Pay close attention to the wind - embers from a fire can travel a substantial distance in the wind. Keep campfires small and under control. Never leave a fire unattended.
Under current conditions, the forest in general and grass specifically is dry, flammable and will ignite easily. Exercise caution if operating quads or off highway vehicles in grassy areas. Stop frequently, clear grass and buildup from engines and other hotspots. Stop on the debris to make sure it's not smoldering.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 17, increased humidity of 35%, chance of rain in the southern part of the area, and light winds at NE10 km/hr. This break in the weather is to be short-lived, with uptrends back for the weekend. It's important to understand that the precipitation may not reach us - and if it does it may not cover much of the area or amount to enough to make a difference to the forest conditions.
We had one new wildfire today in the Janvier area.
We have 16 crews, the Air Tractors and their bird dog, the Fire Boss group and their bird dog, 11 helicopters, 8 water trucks, and 3 dozer groups ready to fight wildfire tomorrow. We have crews assisting on the three Mutual Aid fires outside the Forest Protection area. Our group of four Fire Boss skimmer airtankers and their bird dog went back to Saskatchewan today to continue assistance on the wildfire east of Cold Lake and north of the Meadow Lake area.
The photo below shows one of our crews working hard to extinguish hotspots and burning roots on the wildfire near Janvier that started earlier this week. Leader Merv, hoseman Brett and pulaskiman Aaron - nice job out there!
Please continue to be diligent in the forest area - no burning and avoid quad use if possible in dry grass areas. Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
780-623-9758