The wildfire hazard for tomorrow is VERY HIGH.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 27 degrees, humidity of 35%, no precipitation, moderate lighting potential, and winds SE20 km/hr. A cold front moving towards the area from the north is predicted to stall just north of Bovine, causing a warm front over the area. This means winds on the east side of the area will be southeasterly (on the east side of the trough) while winds on the western side of the area will be more southwesterly (on the west side of the trough). This should move out of the area after tomorrow, leaving the whole area with winds from the east on Friday. Depending on where you are, smoke will either be your friend or your foe tomorrow! Hot and dry conditions will continue through Friday, with potential relief in the form of precipitation on the weekend.
We had one new fire today, taking us to total of 200 wildfires so far this season. There are 11 active fires in the area: 4 are under control, 2 are being held, and 5 are out of control at this time. Two fires were extinguished today. We have 20 crews and 13 helicopters as well as the airtankers and three dozer groups positioned across the area to fight any new fires. The resources working on fires 161 and 175/192 are outlined below.
Here's a recap of the fires in the area:
LWF 200, on the west side of Winefred Lake, is Being Held at .02 hectares.
LWF 198, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range, is Out of Control at 108 hectares. This fire is very close to the north west perimeter of LWF 122, the wildfire from earlier in the season. There was significant airtanker work on this fire early this morning and throughout the day as well as two ground crews working the perimeter where safe to do so. There are no values at risk.
LWF 195 is Under Control at 4.25 hectares. This fire is in the Kirby area.
LWF 192 saw a status change today to Being Held, at 197 hectares. Dozer guard is complete around this fire. There are still some green "islands" within the fire perimeter that were burning today. There are 50 firefighters, 25 helicopters, and 28 heavy equipment operators working on this fire.
LWF 191 remains Out of Control at 280 hectares (about 30 hectares of new growth today on the north and east sides of the fire, pushed by the wind which was gusting to about 40 km/hr this afternoon). This fire is 25 km west of Mariana Lake. The photo below shows the smoke coming off the fire and being pushed by the winds.
LWF 189 saw a status change today to Being Held, at 103 hectares. This fire is in the Bovine area. There was no growth today. Dozers completed the guard today. Cenovus is about 5 km to the north.
LWF 175 remains Out of Control at just under 14,000 hectares. This fire, which stretches into Saskatchewan, is located just to the east of LWF 192. There are no values at risk. Guard is about 45% complete.
LWF 171 is Under Control at 45 hectares.
LWF 161 remains Out of Control at just over 12,000 hectares. There was some growth today to the east as a result of the west winds. Crews worked today on torching trees along the perimeter and heavy equipment worked on constructing guard on the north west side of the fire. Dozer guard, on the southwest portion of the fire, is about 15% complete. There are 101 firefighters, 17 helicopters and 31 heavy equipment operators working on this fire. Winds tomorrow could be a challenge. An additional 31 firefighters from Ontario and Nova Scotia joined the team working on this fire today! Thanks for the help!
The fire is about 6 miles from Highway 63 and about 7 miles from the Old Conklin Highway. The Old Conklin Highway remains closed for safety reasons.
LWF 122 and LWF 126, from earlier in the season, remain on patrol status.
ASK 001 - Saskatchewan Fire near Garson Lake, is active on the west side. We are monitoring this fire. There are no values at risk at this time.
A Fire Advisory remains in place for the Lac La Biche Wildfire Management Area. Due to very high hazard conditions, we are no longer issuing fire permits and existing permits have been suspended. Safe campfires are currently allowed, but may be restricted in the coming days if conditions worsen. Keep campfires small and under control. Make sure they are completely extinguished before you leave them.
Sorry, but NO FIREWORKS.
Avoid or delay the use of quads and all terrain vehicles in the forest. If you must ride, stop frequently and clean grass buildup from your machine.
The Old Conklin Road is closed at this time. Smoke is an issue in this area.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Forest Information Officer
780-623-9758