LAC LA BICHE – People wanting to enjoy a campfire in the Lac La Biche area will have to wait for some rain as a fire ban is now in effect for Lac La Biche County, as of July 22.
John Kokotilo, regional fire chief for Lac La Biche County, said the ban was prompted by very dry conditions that have been prevalent in the region, along with little rain or precipitation in the forecast.
“While we’re going to get one little reprieve of a few showers here coming up in the next couple of days, besides that, there’s nothing for the next two weeks,” Kokotilo said.
Under this ban, all burning is suspended. According to information from Lac La Biche County, all existing fire permits are suspended, no few fire permits will be issued, and all burning, including campfires, is prohibited.
However, quad and utility terrain vehicle (UTV) use is still permitted, at least for the time being.
“Farmers need that to check on their cattle and stuff,” the regional fire chief said, regarding the use of quads and all-terrain vehicles.
This summer has been extremely dry, compared to recent years. During this past spring, he explained, there was little water in the ditches, and no runoff.
“Lakes are down, ponds, dugouts are down, so the water table’s down . . . [It’s] very dry out there,” he said.
The fire chief explained that he has been talking with provincial forestry officials and deciduous trees in the area such as poplars are already starting to drop their leaves because they have not been getting any rain or moisture.
Looking ahead to the rest of the summer, Kokotilo is hopeful the region will get the moisture it needs.
