Lac La Biche Area Update

LOW Wildfire Danger/Fire Advisory in Effect - Lac La Biche Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 9, 2020

Posted on Thu, Jul 09, 2020

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

Almost daily precipitation is keeping the wildfire danger level at LOW.  Even though it is damp out there, please be diligent about checking OHVs for debris, and remember to extinguish campfires before you leave them! 

We have not had any new wildfires so far today.

We have had 86 wildfires this season in the Lac La Biche forest area.

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

Fire Advisory - FB

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

Due to reduced wildfire hazard, advanced operational preparedness and favourable weather conditions in many areas of the province, the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area has now been revoked and a fire advisory has been put in place.

A fire advisory means Albertans in the Forest Protection Area can safely enjoy the use of a fire pit in their backyard, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire.

Permissible:

  • safe wood campfires  
  • backyard firepits
  • charcoal briquette barbecues
  • use of propane, natural gas or powered appliance
  • catalytic or infrared-style heaters
  • safe burning with a permit
  • recreational off-highway vehicle use

Not permissible:

  • burning (excluding campfires) without a permit
  • unattended or unsafe campfires

Permits may not be issued as usual under a fire advisory. These precautions were put in place as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan to avoid multiple disasters at a time when resources may be limited.  Two hundred additional fire fighters were hired and are now trained and positioned to respond to new wildfire starts.

Restrictions can be phased back in as necessary to address wildfire risk area-by-area. We expect this fire advisory to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires in Alberta, while allowing Albertans to enjoy outdoor activities as much as possible.  We will re-evaluate daily.

Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

OHV restriction lifted

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.

Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the wildflowers.

stop and smell the flowers

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire. Your next update will be on July 16 unless conditions change.

For more information, please contact: 

Leslie Lozinski

Wildfire Information Officer

780-623-9758



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