Wildfire season is here and we ask that everyone revisit their burn site to ensure their winter burning project is properly extinguished.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).
FIRE ADVISORY STILL IN EFFECT
A fire advisory is in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry conditions and a lack of precipitation from the fall and winter months.
Under this advisory:
· New fire permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning such as machine-piled brush piles and windrows.
· Permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
Prohibited:
· Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.
Allowed:
· Safe wood campfires *
· Backyard fire pits
· Portable propane fire pits
· Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
· Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:
a) be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
b) have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
c) have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
d) Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.
Return to winter burn sites to ensure they are completely extinguished. These fires can smoulder underground and flare up into a wildfire when the conditions are right.
FIRE PERMITS
If you require a fire permit for any burning, please visit our
online portal to get your free fire permit or you can call your local forestry office in Lac La Biche at 780-623-5388 to get started. Please plan ahead and have the site ready as there may be delays for a forestry staff member to visit your site.
Keep in mind that there is a fire advisory still in effect. Please see albertafirebans.ca for more information regarding the status of fire permits.
FIREWORKS
The use of fireworks within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) is prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer.
Written permission is required year-round. Those seeking written permission to shoot, discharge, detonate or ignite fireworks within the FPA may apply for written permission from a Forest Officer at your local forest area office. The office line for the Lac La Biche Forest Area is 780-623-5388.
Keep in mind that there is a fire advisory still in effect.
LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is LOW.
There are currently no active wildfire in the forest area. Since January 1 2024, there has been a total of eight wildfires burning a total of 0.61 ha in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
NOW HIRING
Are you interested in joining the Alberta Wildfire team for the upcoming season? We are now hiring for support positions and additional wildfire crew positions. Check out our website to learn more!
FIRESMART
Interested in becoming an Neighborhood Recognition Program Specialist for your community?
Start your journey by completing the Level 2 – NRP Specialist training and learn how to:
- Recruit a FireSmart neighbourhood committee.
- Participate in FireSmart neighbourhood committee meetings.
- Complete Neighbourhood Wildfire Hazard Assessments (NWHA).
- Help neighbourhoods develop a FireSmart Neighbourhood Plan.
- Engage in annual FireSmart neighbourhood events (education sessions, work bees, chipping events, etc.).
- Assist FireSmart neighbourhood committees and neighbourhood champions to complete the application and renewal process.
For more information please visit firesmartalberta.ca
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
Related Information
Websites:
Social Media:
Apps:
Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.
