LAKELAND - Dry conditions and an inadequate amount of rain and snow during the fall and winter months prompted the government of Alberta to declare an early start to the wildfire season on Feb. 20
A fire advisory is now in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area.
According to information on the Alberta Fire Bans website, under this advisory, which came into effect on Feb. 22, new fire permits will not be issued for non-essential heavy fuel burning. This includes machine-piled brush fires and windrows.
Permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
Outside of campfires, any burning done without a valid fire permit is prohibited.
In addition to safe wood campfires, backyard fire pits, portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters are allowed.
With safe wood campfires, it is recommended that they be contained within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring, according to the advisory.
Requirements for campfires under the advisory include:
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Being on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire.
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Having a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving.
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Having enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas.
It is also noted that provincial municipalities, parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.
As stated in the update, the wildfire danger in the Lac La Biche Forest Area is “low.” There is currently one active wildfire in the forest area. There have been a total of four wildfires with 0.19 ha burnt since Jan. 1, 2024.
Lac La Biche County advisory
"In line with the province, a fire restriction is in effect for Lac La Biche County’s permitting area due to dry conditions and a lack of precipitation from the fall and winter months," reads a Feb. 23 fire advisory released by Lac La Biche County.
Similar rules are in place as those in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
