Lac La Biche Forest Area - October 23, 2023

Please use caution when recreating and having a campfire in the forest. Fully extinguish your campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again.

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 MODERATE.

Since January 1, 2023, there have been 187 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning 7,934 hectares (ha).

There are currently six 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.

To view active wildfires in the Lac La Biche area on a map, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status page.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2023 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1,089 wildfires burning a total of 2,214,817 ha.

NOW HIRING

Alberta Wildfire is hiring! We’re looking for hard-working and dedicated people to join our team as wildfire crew members for the 2024 wildfire season. Find out more: https://bit.ly/46xOMZN

If you have any questions about the recruitment process or would like more information regarding the job please email WF.WildfireEmployment@gov.ab.ca.

FALL COOKING AND WARMING FIRES

As the temperatures start to cool, cooking and warming fires are very common and firefighters will often find them unattended or abandoned. These fires still pose a risk of starting a wildfire even in the fall months.

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. Recent snow fall can make it seem as though your fire is safe to be extinguished by the elements. Avoid using snow to cover your fire as your campfire could have burned deep into the ground and could re-ignite again when conditions are right.

Before you leave, ensure you fully extinguish the fire by soaking it with water, stirring the ashes, and soaking it again. Your fire isn't fully extinguished until the ashes are cool to the touch.

For more safe campfire tips click 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

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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 website 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