Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update

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

When the fire danger level is high: forest fuels are dry and fire risk is serious. Conditions may be challenging for fire suppression efforts.

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

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

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

LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 180 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area burning a total of 20,349 hectares (ha). There are currently 14 active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of those, four are out of control, six are being held and five are under control.

To view active wildfires on a map, visit Alberta Wildfire Status.

Kettle River Complex (LCX001) |LWF164, LWF152, LWF147

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 warming and drying trend continues in the Kettle River Complex Area today through Saturday. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach a high of 25 degrees Celsius on Friday with no rain expected. Relative humidity will sit in the 35-40% range.

LWF147 – The status of this fire is BEING HELD at 6,863 ha. The fire is located approximately 16 km northeast of Heart Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 273 firefighters and personnel assigned to this fire. Helicopters are moving crews into positions to patrol and extinguish hotspots inwards from the perimeter

SOPFEU wildland firefighter actioning hotspots identified by infrared scanning on LWF164.

WF152 – The status of this 453 ha wildfire is UNDER CONTROL. Located approximately 22 km northeast of Conklin and 10 km southeast of Highway 881, this wildfire is in close proximity (10 km radius) to industrial facilities. The fire continues to be monitored for activity.

LWF154 – The status of this wildfire is BEING HELD at 1209 ha. A total of 89 firefighters and personnel are assigned to this fire, patrolling and extinguishing hotspots.

LWF156 – The status of this wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL measuring 384 ha in size. This fire was confirmed on July 16, 2024. This fire is being monitored for growth and activity.

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.

An aerial perspective of LWF126 on August 8 near North Watchusk Lake. The fire is currently Being Held at 931 ha in size and being monitored for growth and fire activity.

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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.

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FIRESMART

Your actions today can minimize wildfire damage to your home and property tomorrow. Visit FireSmart Alberta 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.

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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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Subscribe to Lac La Biche forest area updates to receive them in your inbox.

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.

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:

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