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Wildfire update

Lac La Biche Forest Area - August 04, 2025

Low wildfire danger

Recent rainfall across the Lac La Biche Forest Area has reduced the wildfire danger to low. The moisture received has reduced the likelihood of new wildfires starting. While conditions have improved in the short term, continued rainfall will be needed to maintain these lower danger levels and support long-term vegetation recovery.

Wildfire situation

LWF183

This wildfire is 97 hectares (ha) in size and remains classified as out of control. It is located 24 km west of Highway 881. At this time, the wildfire is not threatening the highway or any nearby communities. When conditions allow, firefighters continue working to contain the wildfire and limit further spread. 

Medley River Wildfire (LWF132)

This wildfire is now estimated at 4,471 ha in size and remains classified as out of control. It is located in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. This wildfire received some rain today, which is helping firefighting efforts. However, the wet conditions are also creating access challenges, with some areas difficult to reach. When conditions allow, firefighters will continue working to build and reinforce containment lines around the wildfire.

LWF185

This wildfire is estimated to be 82 ha in size and is classified as out of control. It is approximately 22 km east of Heart Lake First Nation, 13 km northeast of Touchwood Lake and within the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. The wildfire was caused by a recent lightning storm and spread quickly due to dry conditions. Rainfall overnight and throughout the day has helped reduce fire activity. As conditions allow, firefighters will begin building work on containment lines around this wildfire.

Pelican Wildfire Complex

The Pelican Wildfire Complex includes LWF131, LWF139 and LWF150. 

  • LWF150 is estimated at 663 hectares and remains out of control. It is located approximately 45 km northwest of Wandering River. This wildfire is not currently threatening any communities. Firefighters continue working to contain the wildfire and limit further spread.
  • LWF139 is estimated at 225 hectares and is now classified as being held.
  • LWF131 is under control.

LWF090

This wildfire remains classified as being held. Some areas within the perimeter of this wildfire remain active, and smoke may be visible. However, the fire remains held, and further growth is not anticipated at this time. 

LWF172

LWF172 is estimated at 29 ha in size and is now classified as being held, which means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past existing boundaries. This wildfire is 11 km east of Highway 55 and 12 km southeast of Beaver Lake Cree Nation. 

Wildfire statistics

There are currently 21 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 4 classified as out of control, 4 classified as being held and 13 classified as under control. 

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 192 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.

For up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size and statistics, visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app

Fire restriction

A fire restriction remains in effect for parts of the Lac La Biche Forest Area.

Prohibited:

  • Outdoor wood fires on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas
  • Any burning on private land, other than a campfire
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

  • Safe wood campfires on private land, in a designated fire ring, including provincial campgrounds  
  • Backyard firepits
  • Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
  • Barbecue charcoal briquettes
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices 

For details and to view the restriction area on a map, visit Alberta Fire Bans.

Wildfire smoke 

Smoky conditions are expected to continue in the area due to ongoing wildfire activity. To identify the source of the smoke and see how much smoke is expected in the forecast, visit FireSmoke Canada. For health-related information, visit Alberta Health Services

Contact info

Allanah McLean
403-418-5023
[email protected]

Published on August 4, 2025 5:17 pm