Lac La Biche Area Update

HIGH Wildfire Danger/FIRE BAN IN EFFECT - Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 25, 2020

Posted on Wed, May 20, 2020

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The wildfire danger rating in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is HIGH.  The fire ban remains in effect. 

The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 19 degrees, humidity of 30%, chance of showers, moderate lightning and winds at NW20km/hr gusting to 35 km/hr.

We have not had any new wildfires so far today.  There is one wildfire in the area and this wildfire is classified as under control.  

We have had 75 wildfires this season.

Tomorrow we have nine crews, one helicopter, one engine, and one airtanker group positioned across the forest area to respond to any new wildfires.

There are currently nine wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Six of these wildfires are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties.

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca.

FireBan

FIRE BAN IN EFFECT

As part of Alberta Wildfire's response plan to COVID-19, a fire ban was issued for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta effective April 15th at 2:00 pm.  This measure aims to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires, as most if not all wildfires in the early spring are caused by human activity.  Reducing human-caused wildfires helps keep our firefighting resources focused where they are most needed, especially when our firefighting resources may be challenged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anyone found to be non-compliant with the fire ban may receive a violation ticket of $600. 

Fire permits are suspended or cancelled. Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, but will need to be approved by a forest officer.

Prohibited

  • outdoor wood fires 
  • backyard firepits
  • barbeques with charcoal briquettes

Allowed

  • indoor wood fires
  • open flame CSA approved oil devices
  • propane/natural gas powered appliances


** All devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer standards. An indoor wood fire is a fire inside a structure (such as a building, tent, or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor. Users are still responsible for care and attendance of all devices and should reduce their use during fire restrictions and bans. Approved activities or devices will not prevent potential prosecution or litigation if the user or device starts a wildfire.

OHV restriction lifted

Because of the precipitation in many areas of the province, the off-highway vehicle restriction in effect in the High Level Forest Area, the Peace River Forest Area, the northeastern part of Slave Lake and the rural areas surrounding Fort McMurray and south to Janvier, has been lifted. This restriction can be phased back in if needed to address wildfire risk area-by-area. We will continue to evaluate the situation daily. 

 

If you choose to drive an off-highway vehicle in Alberta’s forested areas please remember:

  • OHV exhausts can get very hot, reaching temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.
  • It is crucial for Albertans to stop and check OHVs and the ground for any debris that may have fallen.
  • Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.
  • Always carry a small fire extinguisher, a collapsible shovel and water. These tools can help extinguish a wildfire and safely dispose of hot debris.

Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected areas.

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire. 

 

 

For more information, please contact: 

Leslie Lozinski

Wildfire Information Officer

780-623-9758



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