Please use caution when working or recreating outdoors and keep watch of your surroundings. Any spark, friction or hot exhaust could start a wildfire as we head into dry conditions next week. If you see smoke or flame in the forest and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE (3473).
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
FIRE PERMITS
You will need a fire permit for any burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire, until October 31.
Fire permits ensure safe burning practices and allow staff to know where burning is approved so firefighters and aircraft are free to fight wildfires. Your municipality may have its own rules and restrictions in place. Contact them for further details.
If winds are exceeding 12 km/h or the wind regulations on your permit please extinguish your fire immediately. Today, winds are forecasted to be west-northwest 20 km/h gusting 31 km/h at times for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
For more details about safe burning practices, see safe burning.
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE WILDFIRE PREVENTION
When riding your OHV, stop frequently to remove any build-up of debris from your machine. Grass, muskeg, moss and other debris can heat up, smolder and drop to the ground as you're riding. This can spark a wildfire as you ride away. Always carry firefighting equipment such as a shovel, extinguisher and bucket when you ride. Call 310-FIRE (3473) to report and smoke or flame in the forest.
FIRESMART
There are three significant areas around your home and property that make up the home ignition zone, help mitigate your risk of wildfire today!
1) Immediate Zone (0-1.5 metres)
Reduce the chance of wind-blown embers igniting your home:
- Ensure there is a 1.5 metre non-combustible surface around your home outwards
- Clear vegetation and combustible materials
- Avoid planting woody shrubs or trees
2) Intermediate Zone (1.5-10 metres)
Prevent fire from reaching your home:
- Plant fire-resistant vegetation and avoid woody debris, including bark mulch
- Use non-combustible landscaping materials
- Remove combustibles like firewood, construction materials, and patio furniture
3) Extended Zone (10-30 metres)
Limit the intensity of fire:
- Maintain a minimum of 3 metres of horizontal space between evergreen trees
- Clear branches lower than 2 metres from the ground
- Regularly clean up fallen branches, dry grass, and needles
Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit the new FireSmart Alberta site to learn how taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard can increase your property's resistance to wildfire.
Download the Farm and Acreage Guide to Reducing the Risk From Wildfire for additional information
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 Alberta Emergency Alert.
For any road closures or impacted highways click here.
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
Related Information
Websites:
- Alberta Wildfire
- Alberta Fire Bans
- FireSmart in Alberta
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- Air Quality Health Index
- Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
- 511 Road Reports
Social Media:
Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.