Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area remains EXTREME.  

The forecast tomorrow is for a high of 29 degrees, 15% humidity, and winds from the west at 15 km/hr. There is a red flag weather warning in effect for tomorrow.  This means the potential for blow up fires is extreme.  Be very careful in the forest, and please abide by the fireban and quad restriction.

There was lightning in the region a couple of days ago. Crews continue to patrol from the air and ground, searching for any new wildfire starts that may have occurred as a result. 

A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction has been issued in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta for most of central and northern Alberta, including the Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche, Slave Lake, Peace River, High Level, Grande Prairie, Whitecourt Forest Areas, as well as the majority of the Edson Forest Area.

All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.

Current Situation 

There are five wildfires in the area.  All fires are under control and are on patrol status.

So far this season we've had 112 wildfires in the area.

We have 25 crews, 24 helicopters, one airtanker group, and various pieces of heavy equipment on hand to fight wildfires tomorrow.

Prohibited

• All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, back country and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
• Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
• Fireworks and exploding targets.
• The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands. 

Allowed

• Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
• OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands. 

The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. 

OHV Restriction

Prohibited

• The recreational use of OHVs on public lands and provincial parks, including designated OHV trails.

What is an OHV?

• An “off-highway vehicle” is a motorized vehicle designed to go beyond defined roadways, including but not limited to:
• Quads;
• Side by sides;
• Dirt bikes;
• 4x4 Jeeps;
• Pick-up trucks; or
• Sport utility vehicles.

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.”

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