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Extreme wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is extreme in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
Wildfires can start and spread easily in dry forest conditions. Firefighters urge everyone to be cautious when spending time outdoors. Avoid activities that could spark a fire, and always ensure that campfires are fully extinguished.
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.
LWF150 continues to experience increased fire behaviour as Alberta Wildfire continue to respond to contain the fire's spread. Suppression efforts are supported by airtankers, heavy equipment, 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. There was minimal fire activity yesterday and no growth of the fire was observed. Alberta Wildfire continues to further secure containment lines today with support from heavy equipment, airtankers, and helicopters bucketing water. Structure protection has been placed on nearby cabins.
LWF131
This wildfire is now classified as being held 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.
Airtankers operated into the evening yesterday, focusing on active fire areas. Suppression efforts continue today, supported by firefighters, heavy equipment, airtankers, and helicopters bucketing water. Firefighters continue to make progress in securing containment lines on the south side of the fire. 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 continue suppression efforts, 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.
LWF164 and LWF161
These fires were discovered after a storm system moved through the the forest area last evening. Thanks to the quick response and efforts of Alberta Wildfire these fires are classified as being held. Each fire is less than one hectare in size. Night vison equipped helicopters actioned the fires last night and firefighters continue suppression efforts to extinguish these fires. There is no threat to surrounding communities at this time.
- LWF161 is located 7 km west of Highway 881, and 8 km south of Clyde Lake.
- LWF164 is located on the west side of Elinor Lake, north of Township Rd 652.
Wildfire statistics
There are currently 14 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 4 classified as out of control, 4 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 74,638 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 25, 2025 9:53 am