Lac La Biche Area Update

The wildfire danger rating in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is HIGH.

WILDFIRE UPDATE

The Lac La Biche Forest Area has assisted with two wildfires outside the Forest Protection Area in the last 24 hours. There is no risk to any communities at this time.

LCU-003 is located in the County of Thorhild. Assistance was requested May 15. Alberta Wildfire has provided 10 wildland firefighters and a helicopter to help fight this wildfire today.

LIR-001 was located in the Cold Lake Area. Assistance was requested May 15 and ended this morning (May 16). 

There are currently two wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Both of these wildfires are under control.

Since March 1, there have been 81 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 172.08 ha.

The Lac La Biche Forest Area has a number of wildland firefighting crews, eight helicopters and various pieces of heavy equipment available to fight any wildfires.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 286 wildfires, burning a total of 911.08 ha.  

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

FIRE ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT

A fire advisory remains in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry grass hazard.

Under this advisory:

• No new fire permits will be issued for any non-essential burning except for seasonal fire permits which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Prohibited:

• Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited

Allowed:

• Safe wood campfires *
• Backyard fire pits
• Portable propane fire pits
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

a)   be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

b)   have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;

c)   have on hand enough water to extinguish the fire.

Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Extra caution should be exercised during windy conditions. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

OHV SAFETY

If you are operating an off-highway vehicle, remember to stop often and check hotspots. Exhaust systems can heat up in excess of 204 degrees, hot enough to fry an egg and start a wildfire. 

NEW ALBERTA WILDFIRE APP

Did you know Alberta Wildfire just launched a brand new app to keep you up-to-date with the wildfire situation in the province?

Download the new 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.

The old app will be disabled in the next few weeks, so make sure to download the new one soon.

Available for Apple and Android.

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire!

For more information, please contact: 

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.