Lac La Biche Forest Area

Hot, dry conditions continue in most areas of the province resulting in numerous wildfires. A provincial state of emergency has been declared. Albertans who require assistance can call 310-4455 for wildfire related information. https://www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx

A FIRE BAN and OHV RESTRICTION remain in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.

LAC LA BICHE FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is EXTREME. Dry grass will ignite quickly. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction can start a wildfire.

FIRE BAN IN EFFECT

A FIRE BAN and OHV RESTRICTION are in effect for Lac La Biche Forest Area due to high fire hazard.

Under this fire ban:

All existing Fire Permits are suspended (or cancelled)
No new Fire Permits will be issued

Prohibited:

All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds
Backyard firepits
BBQ charcoal briquettes
The use of fireworks and exploding targets
The recreational use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on public lands, including designated OHV trails

Allowed:

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
Indigenous people when using an OHV for traditional purposes. Traditional purposes are hunting, fishing, and trapping – including the use of an OHV to travel to the location(s) for these purposes.
Essential industry-related activities requiring the use of OHVs.
Off-highway vehicle use is still permitted on private lands.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

The fire ban and OHV restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Please visit albertafirebans.ca to see a map of the exact area covered under this Fire Restriction.

WILDFIRE SITUATION

Since January 1, 2023, there has been 125 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning approximately 683 ha.

Currently, there are 16 wildfires burning in the area. One is classified as out of control, eight are classified as being held and seven are under control.

Wildfire LSZ001 is located on the Alberta/Saskatchewan border in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. It is approximately 371.4 hectares in size and moving towards Saskatchewan. Firefighters are currently monitoring this wildfire. There is no threat to communities at this time.

Crews and helicopters are working on wildfire LWF120 which is classified as being held at approximately 5.6 hectares in size. Alberta Wildfire is currently working with partners within the vicinity of the wildfire to ensure everyone's safety.

Crews are also continuing to work on LWF091, LWF106, LWF116 and LCU003 in a sustained action role with ground and aerial resources.

Firefighters with helicopters and airtankers are working on three wildfires (SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087) located five kilometres west of Smith and 30 kilometres east of the Town of Slave Lake. These wildfires are classified as burning out of control and range in size from 2.0 to 250 hectares. Winds are currently from the north and the wildfires are not spreading towards Smith or Slave Lake area at this time. Highway 2 remains open however could be closed at anytime. 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 489 wildfires burning a total of approximately 781,854 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

780-420-1968

wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca

Related Information

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Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.

Lac La Biche Area Update

Lac La Biche Forest Area - May 18, 2023

A FIRE BAN and OHV RESTRICTION remain in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.

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