The wildfire hazard is HIGH for the Lac La Biche area. The first nice day, with temperatures in the double digits and winds that didn't feel like they were coming off a glacier, drove our hazard up to HIGH. The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 19 degrees with low relative humidity, and winds SE or SW at 15 km/hr. So, no burning tomorrow please!
We had several fires early this afternoon. All of these fires are either extinguished or under control.
We have one bigger fire at 3 hectares currently classified as being held. The fire is northwest of the DND and southwest of Conklin, about 7 kilometers west of the highway near Margie. Air tankers actioned this fire as well as a rapell crew. Thanks to Mother Nature for letting the ice on the lake melt in time for our tankers to skim and put this fire out. When safe, ground crews were shuttled into the fire area. Ground crews will continue to action this fire tomorrow morning.
Thanks to the folks who called 310-FIRE to report smoke visible from the highway. If you see smoke or fire in the forest please call 310-FIRE.
We currently have 17 crews and six helicopters deployed throughout the area, as well as some heavy equipment. Crews will be strategically stationed across the area tomorrow to action any grass fires that might start.
At this time of year almost all fires are human caused. With the dry grass, warm temperatures, low humidity and winds forecast for tomorrow, any fire that you might have could become a problem. Dry, cured grass ignites quickly and can be difficult to control under windy conditions. Check the back of your permit for details about when NOT to burn. The wind for tomorrow is forecast to be 15 km/hour, and that means no burning.
Check your quads frequently when riding tomorrow. Grass and debris will heat up around the engine and in other hot spots, and can drop to the ground and spark a wildfire. Clean your machines, stomp or soak the debris you remove, and do your part to prevent wildfires.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758