Lac La Biche Area Update

Wildfire Danger Update - May 15, 2019 PM

Posted on Wed, May 15, 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 - conditions have changed since yesterday.

Fire Advisory

A Fire Advisory has been issued for the Lac La Biche Forest Area of the Forest Protection Area due to a cured grass fire hazard.

No new permits will be issued with the exception of Essential Agricultural Burning.   Previous burn sites should be checked for extinguishment.

The Fire Advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve. 

What is allowed:

Safe wood campfires in campgrounds (within fire rings), Backyards, or random camping areas.

Charcoal briquettes

Portable propane fire pits

Gas or propane stoves and Barbeques

Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

Current Situation 

LWF 085 is just off Highway 55 and is under control at 21 hectares.  Ground crews and heavy equipment are working on this fire. 

LWF 086 is located at 6-14-79-10 W4 and is under control at 125 hectares. Two ground crews, four helicopters and heavy equipment are working on this fire.

LWF 087 is approximately 27 km east of Lac La Biche and is being held at 23 hectares. There are three firefighting crews and support staff, 2 helicopters and heavy equipment working on this wildfire.

This fire season has seen 96 wildfires.  We have 11 firefighting crews, air tankers, nine helicopters, three dozer groups, water trucks and other equipment ready to fight wildfires today. 

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

We are not currently issuing permits for anything other than essential agricultural burning.  Check conditions on existing permits before burning.  No burning when winds exceed 15 km/hr.

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:

Lynn Daina

Wildfire Information Officer

780-743-7265