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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Lac La Biche Forest Area - July 19, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Extreme wildfire danger

The Lac La Biche Forest Area hasn’t received significant rain for several days and conditions are very dry. Wildfire can ignite very easily in these conditions and quickly spread to trees.  

We are expecting hot, dry and windy conditions into the weekend, which will increase the wildfire risk in the coming days. 

Wildfire situation

LWF147

This wildfire, located 21 km west of Highway 881, was discovered on July 18 and is currently burning out of control. 

LWF147 at 199 hectares (ha). Alberta Wildfire is responding to this wildfire with airtankers and helicopters. 

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.

Medley River Wildfire (LWF132)

The Medley 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. 

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. 

At this time, these wildfires do not pose a threat to surrounding communities.

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 12 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 4 classified as out of control, 1 classified as being held and 7 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 148 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 73,488 ha.

Fire restriction

As of 2 p.m. today (July 18) a fire restriction is in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands. 

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 

Visit Alberta Fire Bans for more information and to see the restriction area on a map. 

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).

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. 

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. 

Contact info

Randi-Marie Adams
780-404-9186
[email protected]

Published on July 19, 2025 1:56 pm