Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche forest area is now MODERATE. 

When the fire danger level is moderate: If a wildfire does occur the type of fire behavior it would exhibit would be creeping or a gentle surface fire. 

To report wildfires in the province’s forested areas, call 310-FIRE. 

Alberta Wildfire is mourning the loss of a crew member who was fatally injured on August 4th while responding to the wildfire in Jasper. A procession was held with firefighters, emergency responders and contractors lining the route of highway 16 in Hinton and Edson. While we know that fighting wildfire can be a dangerous profession, it does not make a loss like this any less painful. Our hearts are with his family, friends and colleagues. August 5, 2024.

The Kettle River Complex (LCX001) includes 12 wildfires: LWF123, LWF126, LWF136, LWF141, LWF147, LWF152, LWF154, LWF156, LWF159, LWF164, LWF169 and LWF175. An Ontario Incident Management Team (IMT) is committed to managing personnel and resources assigned to the Kettle River Complex of wildfires.

A new Ontario Incident Management Team is expected to arrive at Kettle River Complex to transition and assume command on the ongoing firefighting effort on Aug. 7.

Infrared drone-based scanning continues on fires in the complex, yielding hotspot targets for firefighters to extinguish.

Temperatures are expected to be in the low-20s under a mix of sun and cloud. Gusty winds out the north/northeast are expected in the afternoon with a slight chance of rain moving into the evening.

LWF147 – The status of this fire is BEING HELD at 6,569 ha. The fire is located approximately 16 km northeast of Heart Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 152 firefighters, assigned to this fire. Helicopters are moving crews into positions to extinguish inwards from the perimeter.

Ontario IMT Safety Officer Trainee Dan Burgelis briefs some of the 160 South African firefighters assigned to fires on the Kettle River Complex.

WF152 – The status of this 474 ha wildfire is UNDER CONTROL, and it is located approximately 22km northeast of Conklin and 10km southeast of Highway 881. A total of 40 wildland firefighters, a division supervisor and one piece of equipment are assigned to LWF152. This wildfire is in close proximity (10 km radius) to industrial facilities. Firefighting crews are using helicopter buckets and water trucks to seek out hot spots identified by infrared scans.

LWF159 – The status of this wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL, and it is located in Dillon River Wildland Provincial Park about 12 km east of Winefred Lake No. 194B. This wildfire is approximately 4,294 ha. This fire is being monitored for growth and activity.

LWF175 – The status of the wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL. This fire is approximately 125 ha in size and located in Dillon River Wildland Provincial Park, approximately 12 km east of Winefred Lake. This fire is being monitored for growth and activity. 

A ‘bucket-ship’ helicopter returns to a water source to refill its bucket while helping ground crews extinguish hot spots on LWF152.

FIRE BANS 

The fire ban has been lifted in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. 

For more information regarding fire bans you can visit Albertafirebans.ca

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

SOAK IT, STIR IT, AND SOAK IT AGAIN

• Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or loose dirt, and stir.

• Expose any material still burning. Add more water and stir again until you can no longer see smoke or steam. Do not bury your fire as the embers may continue to smolder and can re-emerge as a wildfire.

• Repeat until your campfire is cool to the touch.

• If your fire is out, you should not be able to feel any heat from the ashes

• Alberta wildfire typically sees an increase in human-caused wildfires during long weekends.

GET YOUR FREE FIRE PERMIT

All burning within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta requires a fire permit, with the exception of a campfire. You can get your free fire permit by applying online or by contacting  the Lac La Biche Office at 780-623-5388. 

Please help our staff by planning ahead. As the season gets busy, there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site. Contact us or submit for your permit online as early as possible to ensure you have your permit for when you need it. 

WILDFIRE INFORMATION 

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Download the AB Wildfire Status app, and select the "i" at the bottom to see the most recent update. Sign up to be notified when a new update is published. 

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Visit Alberta Wildfire for more information on the current wildfire situation.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans to see if there are any fire advisories, fire restrictions or fire bans in effect in your area.

For more information, please contact:  

Area Information Coordinator 

Randi-Marie Adams

Alberta Forestry & Parks | AB Wildfire

Lac La Biche Forest Area 

Cell:780-404-9186

Randi.adams@gov.ab.ca

 

 

 

LCX001 Information:

Chris Marchand

PH: 1-807-323-1851

Ontario Fire Information Officer 

RELATED INFORMATION

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

Social media:

Apps:

• Alberta Wildfire Status App for Apple or Android.
• Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.