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.

August 30

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

LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 189 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, three are being held and ten 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.

The Kettle River Fire Complex is now in the stages of demobilizing and returning the management of any remaining fires to the Lac La Biche Forest Area. The Australian and South African crews are preparing to make the long journey home over the weekend. Their last day on the fire complex will be Saturday August 31st.

Infrared -based scanning will continue on the fires within the complex, to monitor for growth and fire activity.

Australian and South African teams have been working hard on the fires located within the Kettle River Fire Complex.

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. This fire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.

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. 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. 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. Heavy equipment operators will continue with reclamation work.

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. This fire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.

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. This fire is being monitored for growth and fire activity.

Alberta wildfire crews along with teams from South Africa and Australia are winding down and preparing to demobilize the Kettle River Fire Complex. Alberta Wildfire thanks them all for their service.

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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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