Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger rating in the Lac La Biche Forest Area remains EXTREME.

Little to no precipitation was received throughout the area in the last 24 hours. The forecasted weather calls for trace amounts in the coming week. The absence of precipitation with warm and dry conditions will continue to impact fire behaviour. Extreme fire behaviour is expected.

Current Situation

There are currently 4 wildfires burning in the Lac La Biche Forest Protection Area.

Two are 0.01 hectare and both are under control.

Fire LFW130 was discovered last night and is being held at 1.3 hectares south of Cottonwood Creek. Six fire fighters and two helicopters are working this fire.

Fire LFW129, is currently estimated at 317 hectares and is out of control. Discovered yesterday, it’s cause is under investigation.

Today there are 36 firefighters, 5 management staff, 8 air tankers, 7 helicopters and 6 pieces of heavy equipment working to suppress this fire.

At this time the fire is not threatening any lives or property. The community of Janvier is approximately 20 km to the northwest and Conklin is approximately 40 km to the southwest. The fire is currently burning away from these communities.

To view the wildfires on a map, download the new AB Wildfire Status App.

A FIRE RESTRICTION has been expanded and is now in place for the Lac La Biche Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions, which are increasing the fire danger.

Under this restriction:

• Existing fire permits are suspended;
• All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
• Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.

 Prohibited:

• Wood campfires on public land
• Fireworks and exploding targets

 Allowed:

• Wood campfires on private land
• Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
• Backyard fire pits on private land
• Charcoal briquette barbeques
• Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
• Indoor wood fires
• Open flame oil devices

 Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

As of 10 a.m. July 3, 2021 there are 49 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta (FPA). Five of these wildfires are out of control, 19 of these wildfires are  being held, 24 are under control, and one has been turned over to the appropriate authority.

Since March 1, there have been 673 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 3,309 ha.

OHV SAFETY

If you are operating an off-highway vehicle, remember to stop often and check your hotspots.

An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach 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.

NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP

Download the new Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and  bans across the province and much more.

Available for Apple and Android.

CAMPFIRE SAFETY

We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended. Before leaving, be sure to soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again.

For more information between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., please contact: 

Melanie Morin

Wildfire Information Officer

780-623-5272

RELATED INFORMATION

Websites:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Fire Bans
• FireSmart in Alberta
• Alberta Emergency Alerts
• Air Quality Health Index
• Wildfire Smoke and Your Health
• 511 Road Reports
• Emergency Preparation
  

Social Media:

Join the conversation on

• • Alberta Wildfire App for Apple or Android.
  • Alberta Fire Bans App for Apple or Android.