Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update

The wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche forest area is now HIGH. When the wildfire danger level is high, this means Forest fuels are dry and fire risk is serious. Conditions may be challenging for fire suppression efforts. Firefighters urge everyone to use caution when working or recreating outdoors.

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

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

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RECRUITMENT

We want wildland firefighters to join our team for the 2025 wildfire season! Applications are now live on our website.

If you're interested in being a crew member please visit the crew member posting. If being a crew leader/subleader interests you please visit the crew leader/subleader posting.

The closing date for crew members is November 30 and the crew leaders/subleader applications will remain open until suitable candidates are found.

Having local members from the community on our team is very valuable. Knowledge of the terrain, local communities, and backcountry areas are an asset for any candidate interested in applying.

For more information visit the recruitment page on our website.

LAC LA BICHE WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since January 1, 2024, there have been 197 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area burning an estimated total of 23,929 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.

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.

Fire Permit Online

Permits are required until October 31 in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. You can get your free fire permit online or by calling the Lac La Biche office at 780-623-5388.

Remember to 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. Visit Safe Burning for additional tips.

GET YOUR HARVEST PERMITS

Personal Use Forest Products Permits are for small-scale personal use only (no resale) for Christmas trees, firewood or transplants. These free permits are available online or in person at your nearest forestry office. PUFPPs authorize Albertans to cut and removed timber from designated Crown land only. The area-specific PUFPP document must be with you at all times while cutting or transporting trees from Crown land. In one 30-day period, a person can hold up to 4 permits – up to one permit each for: firewood. Christmas trees, roundwood and transplants.

CAMPFIRES & HUNTING SEASON

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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.

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: