LAC LA BICHE – Wet, cool temperatures have prompted fire bans that had been in place in many areas across the Lakeland to be downgraded to fire restrictions.
As of the afternoon of May 21, a fire restriction is now in effect for Lac La Biche County’s permitting area.
Under the restriction, portable propane fire pits, gas or propane stoves and barbecues, and catalytic or infrared-style heaters are permitted. Also allowed are safe warming and campfires, the use of charcoal briquettes, and off-highway vehicle use on public lands.
Fireworks and exploding targets are prohibited under the current restriction.
According to John Kokotilo, the regional fire chief for Lac La Biche County, there are still rules in place to prevent fires, including regulations pertaining to burning permits.
“All existing permits are still revoked, and no new ones will be issued,” Kokotilo said.
Rainy, wet conditions blanketed the region over the May long weekend and have helped ease the dry conditions that had been prevalent across the area.
“We’ve gotten the moisture here, also, the humidity is very high, and temperatures are lower,” said Kokotilo.
With temperatures forecasted to be warming by the May 23 weekend, the regional fire chief cautioned that the situation could change again.
Despite the welcomed moisture, the landscape remains very dry, according to Kokotilo.
“There’s still a lot of dead grass in the bush, in the forest, and stuff like that, but things are greening up,” he said.
Fire officials will be taking a wait-and-see approach, regarding any other fire restrictions being put in place.
“We’ll play it by year from day to day, and go from there,” Kokotilo said.
County of St. Paul
The lifting of the fire ban in Lac La Biche County came a day after the County of St. Paul downgraded to a Level 2 fire advisory.
As stated in information from the County of St. Paul on May 20, under this advisory, safe wood campfires are allowed on private land and in campgrounds.
The municipality stated that the issuance of fire permits for any other open-air fire may be restricted.
“Existing permits would be honoured, however, issuance of new permits may be suspended,” according to the County of St. Paul.
The information stated that local fire services will continue to monitor conditions, and update the public as needed.
MD of Bonnyville
A fire restriction has been in place for the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87, Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach, Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and Village of Glendon since May 15. This restriction was downgraded from a ban prior to the long weekend.
Under this restriction, all fire permit requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, according to the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA).
“Winter burning locations should be checked for extinguishment. Caution should be exercised during windy conditions.”
Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and on public and privately owned land are allowed under the current restriction, along with backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques on private land and propane/natural gas-powered appliances, according to the BRFA.
Cooking, warming and lighting devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer’s standards.
According to information from the Alberta government, there are currently four active wildfires burning in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. All active wildfires are classified as being under control.
Since Jan. 1, 2025, there have been a total of 86 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 661 hectares.
