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Very High wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is very high in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected to continue over the coming days. There is a high risk of wildfires igniting and spreading rapidly. Firefighters urge everyone to take all necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires.
Wildfire situation
LWF143
This wildfire was discovered this afternoon (July 17) and is currently burning out of control. The fire is estimated at 0.01 ha and is located on 37 km west of highway 881, just east of Christina River. This wildfire is being actioned by airtankers with retardant.
LWF145
This wildfire was discovered this afternoon (July 17) and is currently burning out of control. The fire is estimated at 0.01 ha and is located 6km northeast of Mariana Lake and 3.9 km west of highway 63. Firefighters and a helicopter are actioning this wildfire.
LWF139
This wildfire was discovered on July 15 and is currently burning out of control. The fire is estimated at 5 ha and is located on the west side of the Athabasca River, 25 km west of highway 63. Today, firefighters continue suppression efforts with support from helicopters.
Meadley River Wildfire (LWF132)
The Meadley River wildfire was discovered on July 9 and is currently burning out of control. The fire is estimated at 4,174 ha and is located in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. It has reached the west side of Primrose Lake.
Suppression efforts continued today with support by firefighters, airtankers and helicopters with buckets. The northside is the most active and therefore challenging side today.
LWF131
This wildfire is currently burning out of control and estimated at 50 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 with buckets. No communities are at risk at this time.
Caribou Lake Wildfire Complex
The Caribou Lake Wildfire Complex includes wildfires LWF090, LWF097 and LWF138. These wildfires are being managed together.
LWF090
This wildfire is now being held and is an estimated 68,028 ha in size. It is 17 km southeast of Conklin and 28 km south of the Janvier airstrip.
Firefighters have been making good progress on maintaining containment lines and preventing any further growth of the fire. Suppression efforts continue, supported by firefighters, heavy equipment operators and helicopters.
Wildfire statistics
There are currently 16 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 5 classified as out of control, 1 classified as being held and 9 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 145 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 73,288 ha.
Fire advisory
A fire advisory is now in place for the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
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.
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).
Farming and agricultural equipment
Agricultural equipment can inadvertently start a wildfire. If you are using farm equipment this wildfire season, take extra precautions by having firefighting equipment on hand. Read the FireSmart Farm and Acreage Guide to learn more about farm fire safety.
Wildfire smoke
Local wildfires are causing smoky conditions throughout the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Call Health Link at 811 if you’re having respiratory problems due to smoke. Visit FireSmoke Canada to see where smoke is coming from.
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.
Contact info
Randi-Marie Adams
780-404-9186
[email protected]
Published on July 17, 2025 7:12 pm