The wildfire danger for the Lac La Biche Forest Area remains VERY HIGH for tomorrow. Strong and gusty winds are expected in the afternoon. Even if we receive precipitation, severe wildfire behavior is still possible. The map below indicates that not all areas are forecast to receive rain - the existing fires may be in the drier zones. Use caution and report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473).
Please note that smoke visible from Highway 63, Calling Lake and Sandy Lake is likely from LWF-119, which is actively burning east of the Athabasca River and west of McMillan Lake. Tomorrow's winds from the northeast will push smoke to the southwest. Visit firesmoke.ca to see how far smoke can travel.
The fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction remain in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Firefighters thank you for your cooperation. By following the fire ban and off-highway vehicle restriction, you help keep firefighters free to fight the current wildfires and any new wildfires that may start.
The forecast for tomorrow is for a high of 13, relative humidity of 55%, chance of showers across part of the area, and winds at NE 20 km/hr gusting to 35 km/hr.
There were two new wildfires today. One has been turned over to the landowner to extinguish and the other has been extinguished.
Since March 1st, there have been 129 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
There are currently five other active wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Of the five wildfires, two are classified as out of control, two are under control and one is being held. LWF-116 downgraded status from out of control to being held at 5pm today.
Rock Island Lake Complex (LWF-099 and LWF-119)
There are 118 firefighters, 39 incident management staff, 14 helicopters and 9 pieces of heavy equipment working on this fire, as well as airtankers.
LWF-099 - This wildfire started May 21, and is located just over 6 km east of Rock Island Lake. It is classified as out of control at approximately 8100 hectares is 10 per cent contained. The wildfire remains 32 km south of Sandy Lake and 24 km east of Calling Lake. The wildfire grew 100 ha on the south east portion today. Firefighters searched for smouldering ground fires on the north and west perimeters, while 6 helicopters used buckets to contain the south perimeter. 9 pieces of heavy equipment built fire guard but had to stop during the afternoon period due to the fire growth.
LWF-119 - This wildfire started May 23, and remains approximately 12 km east of LWF-099, along the Athabasca River. The wildfire grew by approximately 850 hectares today, crossing the river and is now on the east side of the Athabasca River, west of McMillan Lake. No communities are at risk. Smoke from the wildfire can be seen by residents of Calling Lake, Sandy Lake and drivers on Highway 63. Until legal down time, 9 airtankers and 7 helicopters will continue to work on containing the wildfire. During the day, firefighters were able to work on the north and west perimeters, looking for smouldering ground fires and extinguishing them. The wildfire remains 50 percent contained, with the potential to grow tomorrow.
The photo below shows a firefighter using water to extinguish smouldering tree roots. It's important that crews get these fires completely extinguished to prevent them from smouldering and coming back to life in dry, windy conditions.
This photo shows the highly visible smoke from the fire late this afternoon.
Cowper Complex (LWF-121 and LWF-116)
There are 143 firefighters, 20 incident management staff, 17 helicopters and 22 pieces of heavy equipment assigned to these wildfires.
LWF-121, near Janvier/Chard is UNDER CONTROL at 244 hectares.The wildfire is 100 per cent contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the wildfire and extinguish smouldering ground fires.
LWF-116, in 13-30-80-8-4 (west of Conklin) is classified as being held at 1769 hectares.There was no growth on this wildfire today. Fire guard has been built around 100 per cent of the wildfire. Crews and equipment continue to work on this wildfire, reinforcing the dozer guard, extinguishing hotspots and smouldering areas.
LWF-108, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range is under control at 31.5 hectares. Firefighters continue to patrol the wildfire area, looking for hotspots and smouldering fires and tree roots.
Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.
For more information, please contact:
Leslie Lozinski
Wildfire Information Officer
780-623-9758