Lac La Biche Area Update

Wildfire Danger Update - May 10, 2019

Posted on Thu, May 09, 2019

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The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is HIGH.  

Fire Advisory

Due to a cured grass fire hazard, a Fire Advisory is in place for the Forest Protection Area of the Lac La Biche Forest Area starting at 0900 on May 10, 2019.

No new fire permits will be issued for non-essential heavy burning (windrows, machine piled brush piles, etc.). Previous burning sites should be checked for extinguishment. Caution should be exercised during windy conditions. Small, safe cooking and warming fires (campfires) are allowed.

We had one new wildfire today which is currently under control at 2 hectares.  Crews are on site working to extinguish this wildfire.

So far this wildfire season we have had 75 wildfires in the Lac La Biche forest area. 

We have 12 crews, five helicopters, two dozer groups, water trucks and other equipment ready to fight wildfires tomorrow.  Four Fire Boss airtankers and their bird dog arrived in Lac La Biche today and they will be ready to support wildfire operations beginning tomorrow.

Winter Burns

Please check any winter burning sites to ensure fires are completely extinguished.  Spring winds have the ability to stir fires back to life that are not completely out, fueling the fire and spreading embers to surrounding dry grass or dry brush areas.  Please double check your winter burn sites.

Fire Permits

You need a permit for any fire other than a campfire.  Fire permits are free, and are available from Alberta Wildfire.  A patrol person will visit your burn site and issue a permit.  Be mindful of the weather prior to lighting a fire and follow the conditions on the back of your permit. 

If you burn without a permit, it's likely your smoke will be spotted, reported, and we could send crews!  Help us know where and when to expect smoke in the forest by getting a wildfire permit.  This also helps us direct our crews to where they are really needed.

To request your free fire permit call the Lac La Biche Fire Center at 780-623-5388. 

Off Highway Vehicles

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Off-highway vehicles can start wildfires - check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly. 

Visit Wildfire Alberta and keep up to date on our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages!

If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE! 

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.  For more information, contact:

Leslie Lozinski

Wildfire Information Officer

780-623-9758