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Alberta.ca Account
Wildfire update

Lac La Biche Forest Area - July 23, 2025

Report a wildfire: 
310-FIRE (3473)

Alberta Wildfire application:

Extreme wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is extreme in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.     

Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue today which can ignite a wildfire easily and quickly spread through vegetation. Avoid all outdoor activities that have the potential to spark a fire.

Wildfire situation

Pelican Wildfire Complex

The Pelican Wildfire Complex includes wildfires LWF131, LWF139, LWF150. These wildfires are being managed together. 

LWF150

LWF150 was discovered on July 21 and is currently burning out of control. The fire is estimated at 300 ha in size and located 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 219 ha and is located on the west side of the Athabasca River, 25 km west of Highway 63. Night vision equipped helicopters actioned the fire overnight and suppression efforts continue today with support from heavy equipment, airtankers, and helicopters bucketing water.  Structure protection has been placed on nearby cabins.

LWF131

This wildfire is currently burning out of control and estimated at 29 ha in size. The fire is located 32 km northwest of Wandering River, near the west side of the Athabasca River. Alberta Wildfire continues to action this wildfire with firefighters and 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 4,510 ha and is located in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. 

Winds of 10-15 km/h will be from the south and there could be an increase in fire behaviour throughout the day. Suppression efforts continue, supported by firefighters, airtankers, and helicopters. Firefighters will be focusing on further securing containment lines on the south side of the fire, connecting them into natural features and nearby lakes.

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 was discovered on July 18 and is classified as burning out of control. The fire is located 21 km west of Highway 881 and is estimated at 173 ha in size. 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.

Wildfire statistics

There are currently 13 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 5 classified as out of control, 1 classified as being held, and 7 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 153 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 74,139 ha.

Fire restriction

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. 

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. 

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. 

Contact info

Stephen Fudge
587-919-5528
[email protected]

Published on July 23, 2025 12:45 pm