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.

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

LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 196 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area burning an estimated total of 23,928 hectares (ha).

There are currently 11 active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of those, two are being held and nine are under control.

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 are currently 17 firefighters working on this fire along with two medium helicopters for air support. Crews are working on building a 100 foot perimeter around this wildfire.

LWF123 – the status of this wildfire is BEING HELD and is estimated at 4,241 ha in size. The fire is located approximately 5 km north of South Watchusk Lake. There are currently 17 firefighters working on this wildfire along with two medium helicopters for air support. Crews are working on building a 100 foot perimeter around the affected area.

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

FALL BURNING PERMITS

If you plan to burn it... get your permit.

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Only burn what you can control. High winds can carry embers long distances. Always be prepared and have fire fighting equipment ready. A large water vessel or fire extinguisher can help but wildfires can start and get out of hand quickly. Use extreme caution in these conditions or save it for another day.

Permits are still required until October 31 in the Forest Protection Areas of Alberta. For tips on how you can burn safely visit www.alberta.ca for more information. You can also get your FREE fire permit online or by calling the Lac La Biche office at 780-623-5388.

OHV SAFETY

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When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass. Keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available. Equipment fires or work-related sparks, friction and hot exhaust can cause even small amounts of dry vegetation to ignite into a wildfire.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

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CAMPFIRES & HUNTING SEASON

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

A campfire is an essential part of the hunting experience, but it should be used with caution. Make sure that your campfires are built in a safe area, away from flammable materials such as grass, twigs, and leaves. Always attend to your campfires, keep them small, and keep them safe.

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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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National Day Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Staff from the Lac La Biche Forest Area will be joining in on the 4th annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation walk this year.

10 am: Buffalo LAKE METIS Settlement Community Walk (meet at Parkland Motel 2 and walk to McArthur Park)
11 am: Public ceremonies in McArthur Park
- Moment of silence
- Prayers and addresses
- Evelyn's Story

Noon: Free community lunch
12:30 pm: Free performance by Indigenous singer and songwriter Jessa Sky

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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: