Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update - August 13, 2024 (4:30 p.m.)

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

When the fire danger level is very high, fire is expected to start easily and could challenge suppression efforts.

With warm and dry conditions on Monday, there was increased fire behaviour observed on some fires in the Kettle River complex, including LWF123, LWF147 and LWF159.

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors. Under the warm and dry conditions, a fire can ignite easily and will spread quickly. Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

There are currently no fire bans or restrictions 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 20,195 hectares (ha). There are currently 12 active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of those, four are out of control, four are being held and four are under control.

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

Kettle River Complex (LCX001) |LWF 123, LWF 156, LWF 159, LWF 175

The Kettle River Complex (LCX001) includes 10 wildfires: LWF123, LWF126, LWF136, LWF147, 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.

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

Daytime highs are expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius again today in the Kettle River Complex. There is a chance of scattered isolated showers and possible thunderstorm development in the afternoon and early evening. A cold front will move through the area tonight bringing a change in wind direction from southeast to northwest by Wednesday morning.

Following warm and dry conditions on Monday there has been an increase in fire behaviour on some fires in the complex, including LWF123, LWF147 and LWF159. Smoke drift from these fires has been observed in surrounding areas.

LWF123 – the status of this wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL at 2,120 ha in size. The fire is located approximately 5 km north of South Watchusk Lake. This fire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.

LWF141 – This fire is now EXTINGUISHED.

LWF147 – The status of this fire is BEING HELD at 6,413 ha. The fire is located approximately 16 km northeast of Heart Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 78 firefighters and personnel assigned to this fire. Helicopters continue to move crews into positions to patrol and extinguish hotspots.

Smoke observed over LWF123 on the morning of August 13.

LWF152 – This 453 ha wildfire has been EXTINGUISHED.

LWF154 – The status of this wildfire is BEING HELD at 1,278 ha. A total of 90 firefighters and personnel are assigned to this fire. Crews are establishing helipads around the fire perimeter and extinguishing hotspots to prevent fire spread to the east.

LWF156 – The status of this wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL at 384 ha in size. This fire was detected 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 5,640 ha. This fire is being monitored for growth and activity.

LWF164 – The status of this wildfire is UNDER CONTROL at 1,547 ha in size. The fire is located 12 km northeast of Conklin and has shown minimal fire behaviour over the past several days and continues to be monitored for fire activity.

LWF175 – The status of the wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL. This fire is approximately 128 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.

Increased smoke observed on LWF159 has been contributing to smoke drift in surrounding areas (August 13).

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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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