Lac La Biche Forest Area - July 24, 2025

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 642 ha in size and located 45 km northwest of Wandering River, near the west side of the Athabasca River. 

The fire experienced very active behaviour into the evening yesterday making suppression efforts challenging. Firefighters took advantage of favourable wind conditions in the evening to strengthen containment lines on the south and east sides of the fire in advance of forecasted weather shift later today. Night vision equipped helicopters supported overnight operations as part of ongoing containment efforts. Winds are expected to shift from the west later today. Alberta Wildfire continues 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. 

Minimal fire activity was observed on the fire yesterday as firefighters used night vision equipped helicopters to further secure containment lines. Alberta Wildfire continues to action the fire today with support from heavy equipment, airtankers, and helicopters bucketing water, focusing on the south and west sides of the fire.  Structure protection has been placed on nearby cabins.

This is the Q400 dropping retardant around the LWF139 fire, July 23, 2025.

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.

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

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. 

Winds are expected to shift from the west later today, which may influence fir behaviour. Airtankers operated into the evening yesterday, focusing on active fire areas.  Suppression efforts continue today, supported by firefighters, airtankers, and helicopters bucketing water. Firefighters continue to make progress in securing containment lines on the south side of the fire, connecting them into natural features and nearby lakes. This wildfire does not pose a threat to surrounding communities at this time.

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. No growth in the fire has been observed as Alberta Wildfire continues to respond to this wildfire today, with support from 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 12 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 5 classified as out of control, 1 classified as being held, and 6 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 153 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 74,295 ha.

Farming and agricultural equipment 

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.