Wildfires can start in colder conditions especially when precipitation levels are low. Always use caution outdoors. Properly extinguish your campfire by soaking it, stirring it and soaking it again. Woody debris in the campfire ring should be cold to the touch.
If you see smoke or flame in the forest please call 310-FIRE (3473).
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
A fire advisory is in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
The fire advisory is in place as a precautionary measure. There could be cured grass present which increases the wildfire hazard when conditions are right.
Human caused wildfires are entirely preventable. Use caution when doing work outside, such as welding or grinding, as it can produce sparks that can start a wildfire. A fire will quickly spread in dry grass in areas that has not seen the green-up stage. If you’re using your OHV, remember to stop often, cool down your machine and check your hotspots. Grass can get stuck in the hot areas of your OHV, heat up and start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
Under this advisory:
- New permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
- Permits will not be issued for heavy fuels: machine piled brush piles, and windrows.
- Campfires are allowed in both designated campgrounds and random camping areas.
- Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited.
We encourage any landowners who have done burning over the winter and that have had past fire permits to revisit the burn location to ensure these fires are fully extinguished.
The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve or further escalation is required.
LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE
The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is VERY HIGH. If a wildfire does occur high-intensity fire is expected and likely to spread to treetops. Fire is expected to start easily and to challenge suppression efforts.
Since January 1 2024, there has been a total of 80 wildfires burning a total of 53 hectares in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. There is currently one wildfire in the Lac La Biche Forest Area and it is under control.
SMOKE IN THE AREA
Smoke is lingering in the area drifting over from British Columbia. Their larger carry-over fires from the 2023 season have become active again. There are many other active wildfires in the province of Alberta also creating smoke. To see forecasted smoke, you can visit firesmoke.ca.
EMERGENCY PREPARDNESS
Are you prepared in case of an evacuation? In the event of an evacuation, individuals and families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least 72 hours.
Find out what you need to do this wildfire season to be prepared. Click here for more information.
For the most up-to-date information about evacuations you can visit albertaemergencyalert.
For any road closures or impacted highways click here.
FIRESMART
People living in forested areas need to be aware of the threat of wildfire, and actions they can take to make their homes and neighbourhoods FireSmart.
FireSmart Canada has developed educational programs to help homeowners mitigate the risk of wildfire to their home and property. Do you want to get involved but you're not sure where to start? FireSmart 101 is a free one hour course that will get you started and run through all the information you need to get you ready for this upcoming fire season.
For more information about the training please visit firesmartcanada.ca101
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.
