Lac La Biche Forest Area - April 27, 2023

A Fire Advisory is in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.

We urge residents to use extreme caution if you're recreating in areas of dry grass.

As of March 1, permits are required with the exception of a campfire in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. You can apply online for your free fire permit and please contact the Lac La Biche Forest Area office (780-623-5388) if you have any questions.

LAC LA BICHE FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area remains MODERATE. However, in areas of heavily dried fuel such as grass the fire danger rating is high. As dry grass will ignite quickly. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction can start a wildfire.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area due to an abundance of dry fine fuels and expected warm temperatures. Dry grass and crops are very hazardous and will ignite easily. Use extreme caution when working and recreating outdoors.

Under this advisory:

No new fire permits will be issued for non-essential burning (windrows, machine piled brush piles, and related burning activities).
All other fire permits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

To be informed of fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta throughout the wildfire season visit albertafirebans.ca

WILDFIRE SITUATION

Since January 1, 2023, there has been 53 wildfire in the Lac La Biche Forest Area burning approximately 283 ha.

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 165 wildfires burning a total of approximately 582 ha.

PLEASE USE CAUTION

Due to the current conditions of rising temperatures and possible windy conditions we're asking everyone to be careful when enjoying the outdoors. There is a large amount of dry grass in high hazard areas in the forest area and we all need to do our part to be mindful of campfires and use of off-highway vehicles during this time. You can help us by:

reporting smoke or flame in the forest by calling 310-FIRE (3473)
avoid using heavy machinery that could ignite a fire in areas of dry grass
carrying water and fire fighting equipment with you if you need to use your off-highway vehicle or while working with heavy equipment
having a safe cooking or warming fire in a spot free of fine fuels and low-hanging branches on bare mineral soil. Always carry a shovel and water with you when having a campfire outdoors
clearing hotspots on your OHV and stopping often to cool down the machine

We ask that residents stay informed and continue to exercise caution when in the forest.

HRB

HAZARD REDUCTION BURNING

In the spring Alberta Wildfire utilizes this time by conducting many hazard reduction burns across the province.

Goals of hazard reduction burning include:

strategically removing hazardous grass and debris around communities and infrastructure while reducing the threat of wildfires
reducing the risk of a wildfire igniting from the us of off-highway vehicles in the area
increases wildland firefighting training and cross-training if local municipal fire departments assist

Benefits of hazard reduction burns include:

enhancing community protection by safely removing high-risk areas of grass and vegetation
reinforcing pre-planned wildfire containment lines around communities

CHECK YOUR WINTER BURN PROJECTS

Following safe burning practices is always in season and it can help prevent holdover fires that can start spring wildfires. Although snow helps reduce the risk of the fire burning into the ground, we recommend that you regularly check your winter burning sites to ensure that the fire is out.

You can do this by:

-walking your site and feeling the ground with your hand for heat

-looking for any visible lingering smoke patches or spots of melting snow

-rolling over any debris and checking for hotspots

-soaking any remaining hotspots with water and stirring up the ashes until it's cold to the touch

If fires aren’t properly put out, they can burn underground and in the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge as wildfires in the spring.

PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

Fire permits are now required for burning within the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires.

Alberta Wildfire uses fire permits to keep track of burning being done throughout the province. This ensures that when smoke is reported, we can look into our system and check whether this is a wildfire or a permitted burn being done.

Wildfire season started March 1, all winter burning projects should be extinguished with the exception of campfires. However, if your winter burn project has extended into fire season we ask that you get your free burn permit. You can do this by going online if you have any questions you can call the Lac La Biche office at 780-623-5388.

To assist the Lac La Biche Forest Area, please let us know if you plan any large-scale burning by contacting the office 780-623-5388.

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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:

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