Muted morning colours over Lac La Biche lake and a boat dock near the Whitesands campsite over the weekend were the result of significant smoke in the northern Alberta skies. Forest fires burning in BC and Saskatchewan created the blanket of smoke. Rob McKinleyWhile the end of the weekend saw a slight reprieve from the muted skies and smoky smells that covered much of the Lakeland for the last month, the smoke is likely to return. While British Columbia and Saskatchewan forest fires are growing, only the smoke from the neighbouring provinces has so far been shared in Alberta. Local fire officials say so far, the fire season continues to be relatively mild for Northern Alberta.
Going into this week, Alberta Wildfire was reporting a ‘Low’ wildfire danger across the Lac La Biche Forest Area, with only fire fires reported. Three of those fires, are classified as being held and two are under control. The five fires have burned a combined area of about 500 hectares. The largest of the fires, south of Anzac near Egg Lake, is being held at 150 hectares by 18 firefighters and a helicopter crew.
A total of 41 firefighters and three helicopter crews are working on the 125 hectare fire 15 kilometres north of the Janvier community. That fire is also being held and is currently posing no threat to communities or homes.
Since March 1, the start of fire season, there have been 164 fires reported in the Lac La Biche Forest area that stretches from Conklin to Athabasca and east to Cold Lake. Those fires have burned a total of 930 hectares.
Smoke
Alberta Wildfire officials are continuing to caution all northern Alberta residents about the possibility of more smoke in the local skies.
SEE related story on Bonnyville-based LICA group's smoke projections.
To see an interactive smoke forecast map for all of North America, go online to www.firesmoke.ca
