Lac La Biche Area Update

Winds Switch on Wildfire Scene: May 29 Afternoon Update

Posted on Fri, May 29, 2015

gfx-hsb-wildfiredangerupdate-extreme

The wildfire hazard for the Lac La Biche area remains EXTREME.  Burnt Lake fire and Pony Creek fires remain out of control.  No new growth overnight.

Burnt Lake Fire - LWF 122

This fire remains classified as out of control at 27,462 hectares. Currently there is smouldering ground fire observed as well as hot spots and spot fires.  The winds are out of the south east today, so this could push the fire and smoke in a northwest direction, towards Ken Baker Road and ultimately the Foster Creek facilities. Crews are working along the Ken Baker Road to extinguish any hotspots that flare up.  Other crews are working with pump and hose to control any spot fires on the northwest and to strengthen the cat guard with wet line. We are carefully monitoring wind speed and fire conditions as we approach prime burning time or peak buring conditions this afternoon (from 3pm to 7pm).  Winds are forecast to be SE 15 to 20.  

The image below is from the east side of the fire looking west.

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The fire is about 2 km from the Primrose South CNRL facility, 15 km southeast of the Foster Creek facilities, 17 km northeast of the Wolf Lake area facilities and 14 km northwest of Marie Lake. 

LWF_122_map_may_29_am

Pony Creek Fire - LWF 126

This fire is 3090 hectares. Today's fire behavior is smouldering ground fire with isolated trees candling. The fire continues to be held at the power line on the east.  Crews continue to action the perimeter of the fire as it is safe to do so.  Air tankers and helicopters are supporting ground crews.

SE winds today mean a change in fire direction from yesterday. Smoke and fire should be pushed in a NW direction.  As winds pick up this afternoon we will be watching carefully as a flanking or backing fire could become a hazard for our firefighters.

The fire is approximately 16 km east of Waddell Road, 20 km north of Leismer, 5 km west of Highway 881, 16 km west of Janvier, and 18 km west of Conklin. 

LWF_126_map_may_29_am

Your next update will be published tonight at 10 pm.

For more information, please contact:

Leslie Lozinski

Forest Information Officer

780-623-9758