The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is EXTREME. Temperatures will continue to rise, and the relative humidity will drop over the weekend creating cross-over conditions. These conditions can cause fire to spread easily and quickly. A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction has been issued in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta for most of northern Alberta, including the Fort McMurray Forest Area south of Lake Athabasca, the Lac La Biche Forest Area, the northern regions of the Slave Lake Forest Area, most of the Peace River Forest Area and all of the High level Forest Area. All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued. Current Situation LWF 099, discovered at 11:37 am, May 18 is approximately 5.4 km SE of Elinor Lake and is 33.67 hectares, classified as being held. Air tankers, helicopters, ground crews and heavy equipment are working on this fire. LWF 087 is approximately 27 km east of Lac La Biche and is under control at 23 hectares. There are ground crews and helicopters working on this fire. This fire season has seen 98 wildfires. We have 14 firefighting crews, 23 aircraft, three dozer groups, water trucks and other equipment ready to fight wildfires. Prohibited
Allowed
The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. OHV Restriction Prohibited
What is an OHV?
Exceptions The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agriculture, institutional (educational), commercial/ industrial, emergency response or Indigenous peoples who use OHV for traditional use. To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV Restriction visit www.albertafirebans.ca Fire lookouts are on high alert constantly watching for smoke and firefighters in helicopters, various pieces of heavy equipment and air tankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start. “Windy conditions, along with continued warm and dry weather in northern Alberta, have increased the risk of wildfire throughout the area. This fire ban will ensure the safety of Albertans and their communities as well as protecting our forests by reducing that risk.” Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE! For more information on the wildfire situation across the province of Alberta
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire. For more information, contact: Lynn Daina Wildfire Information Officer 780-743-7265 or 780-799-9253
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