Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update

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

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

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

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

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 22,028 hectares (ha).

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

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

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 and Canadian Incident Management Team (IMT) continues to manage personnel and resources for the Kettle River Complex.

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

The temperature forecast for today is a maximum of 24˚ Celsius across the Kettle River Complex area. Winds will average 20-25 km with gusts between 45 and 50 km from the southeast.

Scattered showers may occur over the complex but no significant rain is expected.

LWF123 – the status of this wildfire is BEING HELD 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 UNDER CONTROL at 6,381 ha in size. The fire is located approximately 16 km northeast of Heart Lake in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. There are 151 firefighters and personnel assigned to this fire. Helicopters continue to move crews into position to extinguish hotspots.

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Crews waiting for their transport to their assigned fire.

LWF154 – The status of this wildfire is UNDER CONTROL at 1,173 ha in size. This fire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.

LWF156 – The status of this wildfire is now UNDER CONTROL measuring 353 ha in size. This fire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.

LWF159 – The status of this wildfire is BEING HELD 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 46 firefighters and personnel assigned to this fire. Heavy equipment operators will continue with reclamation work today while firefighters focus on any potential hotspots.

LWF175 – The status of the wildfire is UNDER CONTROL. This fire is approximately 71 ha in size and located in Dillon River Wildland Provincial Park, approximately 12 kilometres east of Winefred Lake. There are a total of 72 firefighters and personnel assigned to this fire working to extinguish identified hotspots.

LWF185 – The status of this wildfire is UNDER CONTROL. This fire is 0.1 ha in size and located approximately 6.5 km east of Highway 881 in the northwest corner of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.

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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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