Lac La Biche Area Update

Lac La Biche Forest Area - May 26, 2023

Posted on Fri, May 26, 2023

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

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 11 wildfires burning in the area. One is classified as out of control, one is classified as being held and nine 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 4,742 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 1,035,578 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

Websites:

Social Media:

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Apps:

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