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Very High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is very high in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue, combined with gusty winds, over the coming days. There is a high risk of wildfires igniting and spreading rapidly. Firefighters urge everyone to be extremely cautious when outdoors and to take all necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires.
Wildfire situation
Caribou Lake Wildfire Complex
The Caribou Lake Wildfire Complex includes wildfires LWF090 and LWF097. These wildfires are being managed together.
LWF090
This wildfire is currently burning out of control and is an estimated 67,893 hectares (ha) in size. It is 17 km southeast of Conklin and 28 km south of the Janvier airstrip.
There has been little change in wildfire activity as firefighters have been making good progress on maintaining containment lines and preventing any further growth of the fire. Suppression efforts continue, supported by heavy equipment and helicopters.
LWF132
LWF132 was discovered on July 9 and is currently classified as out of control. The fire is estimated to be 1,210 ha in size and is located approximately 2 km west of Primrose Lake, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.
Reduced fire behaviour has been observed due to cloud cover and some very light rain, but windy conditions persist. Northwest winds of 15–25 km/h, with gusts reaching 40 km/h are expected to continue through the evening.
There has been no change in the size of the fire today. Firefighters continue suppression efforts and are focusing on containing the south side of the fire. Airtankers are laying retardant and helicopters are bucketing water to prevent further fire growth.
LWF131
LWF131 is currently classified as out of control and estimated at 5 ha in size. The fire is located approximately 32 km northwest of Wandering River, near the west side of the Athabasca River. Firefighters are responding to the wildfire with support from helicopters bucketing water to extinguish the fire. No communities are at risk at this time.
LWF131 located next to the Athabasca River showed limited fire activity today. Photo taken on July 10, 2025.
Wildfire statistics
There are currently 10 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 3 classified as out of control and 7 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 134 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 70,427 ha.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is now in place for the Lac La Biche Forest Area due to dry conditions and strong winds.
Under the fire advisory:
- Existing permits will remain valid.
- New permit requests will still be approved on a case by case basis.
- Safe campfires for cooking and warming are still allowed. Caution is advised as dry and windy conditions are forecasted.
Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information.
Campfire safety
Abandoned campfires cause many wildfires every year in Alberta. These human-caused wildfires are completely preventable. Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish it when you are done. Soak it, stir it and soak it again, until the coals are cool to the touch.
Fire permits required
During wildfire season, a fire permit is required in the Forest Protection Area for all burning except campfires. Permits help us track where burning projects are happening and outline the conditions for a safe burn. Request your free fire permit online.
Lightning
Lightning is common this time of year and has been consistently detected across the forest area, increasing the potential for new wildfires.
Lightning-caused fires can smoulder beneath the surface for several days before becoming active and visible, especially during dry and windy conditions. If you see smoke or other signs of wildfire activity, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3743).
Contact info
Stephen Fudge
587-919-5528
[email protected]
Published on July 10, 2025 4:41 pm