Lac La Biche Forest Area

Hot, dry conditions continue in many 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 131 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning approximately 662 ha.

Currently, there are 15 wildfires burning in the area. One is classified as out of control, six are classified as being held and eight are under control.

Wildfire LSZ001 is located on the Alberta/Saskatchewan border in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range and is classified as out of control. It is approximately 2,040 hectares in size and moving towards Saskatchewan. Firefighters are currently monitoring this wildfire. There is no threat to communities at this time.

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

Saulteaux Complex - SWF085, SWF086 and SWF087

These wildfires are located approximately five kilometres northwest of Smith and 30 kilometres east of the Town of Slave Lake. The wildfires are classified as burning out of control. The estimated wildfire sizes are as follows: SWF085 is 39 hectares, SWF086 is 4,795 hectares and SWF087 is 1,036 hectares. Firefighters continue to work on building a fire guard and extinguishing hot spots. At this time, heavy smoke is causing reduced visibility for aircraft. Airtankers and helicopters will be deployed once visibility improves.

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 511 wildfires burning a total of approximately 945,816 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 22, 2023

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

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