Lac La Biche Area Update

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

Smoke in the area is being pushed by winds from the northwest.  There are no active wildfires in the area. 

The forecast tomorrow is for a high of 31 degrees, 15% humidity, and winds from the northwest at 20 km/hr. There is a red flag weather warning in effect for tomorrow.  This means the potential for blow up fires is extreme.  Be very careful in the forest, and please abide by the fireban and quad restriction. There is no relief from the hot and dry conditions in the coming days.

A Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction has been issued in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta for most of central and northern Alberta, including the Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche, Slave Lake, Peace River, High Level, Grande Prairie, Whitecourt Forest Areas, as well as the majority of the Edson Forest Area.

All fire permits are suspended and no new fire permits will be issued.

Current Situation 

There are five wildfires in the area.  All fires are under control and are on patrol status.

So far this season we've had 113 wildfires in the area.

We have 23 crews, 22 helicopters, one airtanker group, four dozer groups, and various pieces of heavy equipment on hand to fight wildfires tomorrow.

We are very fortunate that our hard-working crews, airtankers, lookout tower observers and everyone have been able to act quickly and keep wildfires in our area relatively small.  Thanks also to our forest users for your caution and for respecting the quad restriction and fire ban.  With the amount and size of the wildfires currently in the province, we don't need another one!

Prohibited

• All open fires including campfires in campgrounds, back country and random camping areas and backyard fire pits.
• Charcoal briquettes, turkey fryers and tiki torches.
• Fireworks and exploding targets.
• The use of off-highway vehicles for recreational use on all public lands. 

Allowed

• Portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified.
• Gas or propane stoves and barbecues that are CSA approved or UL certified and are designed for cooking or heating.
• Catalytic or infrared-style heaters.
• OHVs for industrial use, agricultural use, and traditional use by Indigenous peoples, as well as use on private lands. 

The Fire Ban and Off-Highway Vehicle Restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve. 

OHV Restriction

Prohibited

• The recreational use of OHVs on public lands and provincial parks, including designated OHV trails.

What is an OHV?

• An “off-highway vehicle” is a motorized vehicle designed to go beyond defined roadways, including but not limited to:
• Quads;
• Side by sides;
• Dirt bikes;
• 4x4 Jeeps;
• Pick-up trucks; or
• Sport utility vehicles.

Exceptions

The OHV restriction does not apply to private land or agriculture, institutional (educational), commercial/ industrial, emergency response or Indigenous peoples who use OHV for traditional use.

To view a map of the Fire Ban/OHV Restriction visit www.albertafirebans.ca

If you spot a wildfire, call 310-FIRE! 

Thanks for doing your part to prevent wildfire.  For more information, contact:

 Leslie Lozinski

Wildfire Information Officer

780-623-9758