If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).
LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is VERY HIGH today. This means that if a wildfire does occur, high-intensity fire is expected and likely to spread to treetops. Fire is expected to start easily and will challenge suppression efforts.
Since January 1, 2023, there have been 180 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning 7,934 hectares (ha).
There are currently nine wildfires burning in the Lac La Biche forest area and they're all classified as under control and pose no threat to any communities or infrastructure.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1,032 wildfires burning a total of 2,263,719 ha.
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES
There are currently no OHV bans in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. However, as temperatures rise and forest fuels dry out we want to remind everyone to be cautious while you're recreating in the forest. Stop often and check your hotspots while you ride.
Always carry water or a shovel with you as a precaution. Always call 310-FIRE (3473) to report smoke or flame in the forest.
COOKING AND WARMING FIRES
As the temperatures start to cool, cooking and warming fires are very common this time of year and firefighters will often find them unattended or abandoned. These fires still pose a risk of starting a wildfire even as we head into fall.
These cooking and warming fires are used for a short period of time and the hunter or recreationalist will often leave the area soon after. If you're having a cooking or warming fire during your hunt or ride we recommend using an existing fire ring if possible, otherwise, choose a location that's on level ground, sheltered from the wind and on bare mineral soil.
If you build your fire on peat material, you risk creating a deep burning fire that could be challenging to extinguish. Before you leave, ensure you fully extinguish the fire, otherwise it could smolder under ground for days or even weeks and re-surface when the conditions are right for a wildfire. Your fire isn't fully extinguished until the ashes are cool to the touch.
EXPLODING TARGETS
The use of exploding targets within the
Forest Protection of Alberta is prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer. Written permission is required year-round.
We can all do our part in preventing human-caused wildfires.
FARM AND ACREAGE INFORMATION
Always keep farming equipment in good working order. If you operate broken machinery you run the risk of creating friction and producing sparks. During this time of year, fuel such as grass and crops are drying out and are ready to harvest. Any small spark can start a wildfire during these drying conditions.
Always keep fire fighting equipment like a water tank, extinguisher, or shovel with you at all times. Ensure if you conduct any burning that you're getting your free fire permit and burning to conditions. Avoid hot and windy days.
For more information, visit the Farm and Acreage Magazine online by clicking here.
PERMITS
Only burn what you can control. High winds can carry embers long distances. Always be prepared and have fire fighting equipment ready. A large water vessel or fire extinguisher can help but wildfires can start and get out of hand quickly. Use extreme caution in these conditions or save it for another day.
Permits are still required until October 31 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. For tips on how you can burn safely visit www.alberta.ca for more information. You can also get your free fire permit online or by calling the Lac La Biche office at 780-623-5388.
WILDFIRE INFORMATION
Subscribe to your local Forest Area update or other Forest Area updates and they'll come directly to your email. You can visit our updates, enter your email address and click Instant then Subscribe.
You can also download the AB Wildfire Status App, click the "i" at the bottom left for the most recent update. To be notified when new updates are live you can click the bell for notifications and scroll to the Lac La Biche Forest Area Update.
Visit the Alberta Wildfire at wildfire.alberta.ca for more information on the current wildfire situation.
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:
Colby Lachance
Area Information Coordinator
780-404-9186
colby.lachance@gov.ab.ca
Related Information
Websites:
Social Media:
Apps:
Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.
