Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is Very High.

A fire restriction is now in effect for the majority of the Lac La Biche Forest Area, with the exception of the northern part of the area which remains under a fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction. Please visit albertafirebans.ca for a map of the boundaries.

A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information or visit www.alberta.ca/emergency.

FIRE RESTRICTION IN EFFECT

A FIRE RESTRICTION is in effect for most of the Lac La Biche Forest Area.

Under this FIRE RESTRICTION:

The Lac La Biche Forest Area will not be issuing fire permits

Prohibited:

All outdoor wood fires in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
Charcoal briquettes in backcountry and random camping areas on public land
The use of fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

Wood campfires on private land and in designated campgrounds
Charcoal briquettes on private land and in designated campgrounds
Propane/natural gas-powered appliances
Open flame oil devices (e.g., turkey deep fryers, tiki torches)
Indoor wood fires contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor
All appliances must be CSA approved and used per manufacturer’s standards

Please visit albertafirebans.ca to view a map of the impacted area. This fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve across the province.

WILDFIRE SITUATION

Since January 1, 2023, there has been 149 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning approximately 6,105.12 ha. There are currently 10 wildfires burning in the Lac La Biche forest area. Of these fires, two are classified as out of control, one is classified as being held and seven are classified as under control.

An aerial shot of wildfire LWF148 taken Thursday, June 8, 2023.

LWF148 was detected Wednesday, June 7, 2023 and is classified as out of control at 1,300 hectares (ha) Yesterday, air tankers worked the fire throughout the day. Long term retardant has been dropped along the North, East and South East flanks. No growth was observed on the East flank during this burning period. Dozers were able to access the fire and worked through the night cutting dozer guard. Low intensity backing fire was observed on the North flank but the retardant is holding. Firefighters, airtankers, heavy equipment and helicopter bucketing operations are working on this fire.

LWF138 was detected Monday, May 29, 2023 and is classified as being held at 4140 ha. The wildfire is located approximately 9.2 km northeast of Winefred Lake. Firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters are working on the wildfire. There is no threat to communities at this time.

LSZ001 is burning in Alberta and Saskatchewan in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range and is classified as out of control. The total area burned is 4,900 hectares. Firefighters are currently monitoring this wildfire. There is no threat to communities at this time.

Saulteaux Complex - SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087

More information on the Saulteaux Complex is available on the Slave Lake Area Update.

For the most current information on roads visit www.511.alberta.ca

To view active wildfires in the Lac La Biche area on a map, visit the Alberta Wildfire status page.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE INFORMATION

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 616 wildfires burning a total of approximately 1,230,450.77 ha.

WILDFIRE INFORMATION

The Alberta Wildfire website is available at wildfire.alberta.ca.

Download the Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and bans across the province and much more all on your mobile device.

Available for Apple and Android.

Before heading out, please check albertafirebans.ca to determine whether there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect for your destination.

For more information please contact:

Provincial Information Officer

780-402-9168

wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

Related Information

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