The wildfire hazard for the Lac La Biche area is HIGH.
Warm temperatures and light winds throughout the weekend and again today are doing a good job of drying out the grass. Despite cooler temperatures tomorrow, the hazard is still HIGH. There were a number of fires outside of the forest protection area today which is a good indicator that fields and fine fuels on the ground like sticks, grass, and leaves, are very flammable.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 19 degrees, humidity of 40%, chance of rain, and winds SW20 gusting to SW40 km/hr. These strong and gusty winds could be a problem if a wildfire starts.
We had one new fire over the weekend. It was an abandoned campfire that smouldered and dug in to the ground. Crews have extinguished it. This is a good reminder never to leave a campfire before it is completely extinguished. Don't ride away and think the fire will go out on it's own. Under conditions like ours, where the ground is very dry, the fire will smoulder and burn deep into the ground and become a bigger problem. Take the time to SOAK it, STIR the ashes, and SOAK it again, before you leave your campfire.
We have 6 crews, 3 helicopters and the airtankers on hand to battle any new wildfires.
Alberta has exported crews to the US to help with the wildfire situation. The note below was found on a truck belonging to an Alberta crew.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758