Lac La Biche Area Update

Wildfire Danger Update - May 13, 2019

Posted on Sun, May 12, 2019

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The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area continues to be VERY HIGH.  

Please check the conditions on your fire permits.  No burning when winds exceed 15 km/hr.  Winds are expected to exceed safe burning conditions for the next couple of days.  See details below about the fire advisory currently in place.

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, effective 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.

Current Situation 

We had two new wildfires today.

LWF 085, off Highway 55, is being held at 10 hectares.  Ground and aerial crews worked on this fire this afternoon and evening, and will resume work in the morning. 

LWF 086 remains classified as out of control at 125 hectares.  This fire is located at 6-14-79-10 W4. This fire was very active this afternoon, being driven by the wind.  Ground crews supported by the airtankers worked on this fire today and will resume work tomorrow morning.   

So far this season we have had 86 wildfires.  We have 12 crews, the airtankers, five helicopters, two dozer groups, water trucks and other equipment ready to fight wildfires 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. 

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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