Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update

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

Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors.

The fire advisory has been lifted for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.

Report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE(3473).

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LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 187 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area burning an estimated total of 22,154 hectares (ha).

There are currently 13 active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of those, two are out of control, seven are being held and four are under control.

View active wildfires, their locations and stats on the interactive map on our Wildfire Status page.

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

Kettle River Complex (LCX001)

The Kettle River Complex (LCX001) includes 10 wildfires: LWF123, LWF126, LWF136, LWF147, LWF154, LWF156, LWF159, LWF169, LWF175 and LWF185. The Australian Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to manage personnel and resources for the Kettle River Complex.

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

The temperature forecast for today is a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius across the Kettle River Complex area. Winds up to 20km/hr from the southwest, shifting up to 20km/hr from the north northwest later in the afternoon with the potential for thunderstorms, may impact parts of the Complex.

LWF123 – the status of this wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated at 2,345 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.

LWF147 – The status of this fire is BEING HELD and is estimated at 6,397 ha in size. The fire is located approximately 16 km northeast of Heart Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 174 firefighters and personnel assigned to this fire. Helicopters continue to move crews into position to construct hose lines and extinguish hotspots.

Transporting firefighters requires precision logistics and planning each day.

LWF154 – The status of this wildfire is BEING HELD and is estimated at 1,226 ha in size. A total of 82 firefighters and personnel are assigned to this fire. Crews continue to patrol the perimeter, extinguishing hotspots on the east and west flanks of the fire.

LWF156 – The status of this wildfire is BEING HELD and is estimated at 353 ha in size. A total of 31 firefighters and personnel are assigned to this fire. Crews are patrolling the fire perimeter to extinguish hotspots while being supported by bucketing helicopters as needed.

LWF159 – The status of this wildfire is OUT OF CONTROL and is estimated at 5,563 ha in size. This fire is located in Dillon River Wildland Provincial Park about 12km east of Winefred Lake No. 194B. There are a total of 44 personnel including 12 heavy equipment operators assigned to his fire, establishing fire guards around the northwest finger of the fire.

LWF175 – The status of the wildfire is BEING HELD. This fire is estimated at 128 ha in size and located in Dillon River Wildland Provincial Park, approximately 12 kilometres east of Winefred Lake. This fire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.

Crews carry different equipment to assist in firefighting efforts.

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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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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.

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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