Lac La Biche Area Update

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

Smoke in the area is drifting in from fires in the Slave Lake and High Level areas. There are currently no active wildfires in the area. 

The forecast for Thursday is for a high of 22 degrees, 25% humidity, and winds from the north at 25 gusting to 40 km/hr. Even though we are getting a bit of a break tomorrow, there is a red flag weather warning in effect for tomorrow, due to the winds and dry conditions.  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. Although things are a bit cooler on Thursday and there is rumor of a few raindrops on Friday, generally there is no relief from the hot and dry conditions in the coming days.

We ask your co-operation in respecting the Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction that is in effect for 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.

The fine for operating an OHV where prohibited is $575.00.

The fine for violating the fire ban is $287.00

We would also like to remind Industry and Commercial OHV users of the regulation to equip all quads with a shovel, axe and container for 5 litres of water.  Special thanks to those industry partners who voluntarily restrict the use of quads when conditions are extreme.  Your recognition of the risk and associated action is appreciated.

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

Current Situation 

We didn't have any new wildfires so far today! There are five wildfires in the area.  All fires are under control and are on patrol status.

So far this season we've had 113 wildfires in the area.

We have 23 crews, 22 helicopters, four dozer groups, and various pieces of heavy equipment on hand to fight wildfires tomorrow.

We are very fortunate that our hard-working team has been able to act quickly and keep wildfires in our area relatively small.  Thanks also to our forest users for your caution and for respecting the quad restriction and fire ban.  With the amount and size of the wildfires currently in the province, we don't need another one!

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

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