LAC LA BICHE - A fire restriction is in place for Lac La Biche County’s permitting area as of the evening of Aug. 27.
According to John Kokotilo, regional fire chief for Lac La Biche County, hot, dry weather has been prevalent in the region for the past few days and is expected to linger for at least another week, which is what prompted officials to implement the restriction.
Recently, the fire danger index sign in front of the Lac La Biche Fire Centre on Beaver Hill Road was elevated from ‘Moderate’ to ‘Very High.’
“Things are dry,” Kokotilo said on Wednesday.
Currently, there has been a pickup in a couple of the fires that are happening in the Lac La Biche region, and firefighters with Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services are getting called out to deal with smoke investigations and other issues.
“Just to be on the safe side, we put a restriction,” the regional fire chief said. “Forestry right now has done more or less the same, so we’re following suit.”
As for what is and isn’t allowed under the fire restriction, Kokotilo explained that safe campfires are still permitted.
While existing burning permits remain valid, no new permits will be issued.
With the Labour Day holiday approaching, Kokotilo said the public must take precautions in dry conditions.
“People have to be very, very careful.”
