Lac La Biche Forest Area

The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is high. A fire ban and OHV restriction remain in effect.

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 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 132 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning 662 ha.

There are currently 13 wildfires burning in the area. One is classified as out of control, four 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 4,900 hectares in size. Firefighters are currently monitoring this wildfire. There is no threat to communities at this time.

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. SWF086 is still classified as out of control at approximately 4,802 ha.

SWF085 (39 ha) and SWF087 (1,036 ha) have been classified as being held. Being held means that the fires are not expected to grow beyond established boundaries. Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hot spots and building a fire guard with the help of heavy equipment.

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 523 wildfires burning a total of approximately 1,034,996 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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Apps:

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 25, 2023

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