Lac La Biche Forest Area - July 21, 2025

Wildfire situation

LWF153

LWF153 was discovered late this morning (July 21) and is currently classified as out of control.  The fire is estimated less than 1 ha in size and located approximately 43 km northwest of Wandering River, and 7 km west of the Athabasca River.   Alberta Wildfire is responding to the fire and there is no risk to communities at this time.

LWF151

LWF151 was discovered this morning (July 21) and is currently burning out of control.  The fire is estimated less than 1 ha in size and located approximately 57 km northwest of Wandering River, and 7 km west of the Athabasca River.   Alberta Wildfire is responding to the fire and there is no risk to communities at this time.

LWF150

LWF150 was discovered this morning (July 21) and is currently burning out of control.  The fire is estimated at 96 ha in size and located approximately 45 km northwest of Wandering River, near the west side of the Athabasca River.   Alberta Wildfire is responding to the fire, supported by airtankers and helicopters to contain the fire. There is no risk to communities at this time.   

LWF139

LWF139 is classified as burning out of control. The fire is estimated at 75 ha and is located on the west side of the Athabasca River, 25 km west of Highway 63. Increased wildfire behaviour is expected to continue today as firefighters continue suppression efforts with support from airtankers and helicopters to contain the fire's growth.

LWF131

This wildfire is currently burning out of control and estimated at 29 ha in size. The fire is located approximately 32 km northwest of Wandering River, near the west side of the Athabasca River. Alberta Wildfire continue to action this wildfire with support from helicopters bucketing water. 

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 4,510 ha and is located in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. 

Suppression efforts continued today with support by firefighters, airtankers, and helicopters bucketing water. With the wind shifting from the north, the south and southwest sides of the fire will be the most challenging today. 

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, LWF138 and LWF147. These wildfires are being managed together. 

LWF147

This wildfire is classified as burning out of control. The fire is located 21 km west of Highway 881 and is approximately 215 ha in size. 

There was an increase in fire behaviour yesterday, resulting in some fire growth. Helicopters equipped with night vision technology were deployed and actioned the fire overnight. Alberta Wildfire continues to respond to this wildfire today, with support from airtankers and helicopters bucketing water to limit the fire's spread.

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 and helicopters.

LWF152 

LWF152 was discovered the morning of July 21 and is now classified as being held thanks to the quick response and efforts of Alberta Wildfire.  The fire is located east of Highway 813 and Jo Kat Lodge, at Calling Lake.  This wildfire is small in size and estimated less than 1 ha.  Alberta Wildfire is responding to extinguish the fire.  There is no threat to the community at this time.

LWF149 

LWF149 is now classified as under control and located 8.2 km northeast of Janvier, and 10 km east of highway 881. This wildfire is estimated at 2 ha in size.  Alberta Wildfire is continuing suppression efforts to extinguish the fire.  There is no threat to the surrounding communities at this time.

Wildfire statistics

There are currently 17 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 7 classified as out of control, 2 classified as being held and 8 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 153 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 73,987 ha.

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