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Extreme wildfire danger
The fire danger is extreme in the Lac La Biche Forest Area due to high temperatures and strong winds. This means that in the event of a wildfire, firefighters expect to see extreme fire behaviour.
Wildfires can start and spread very easily in these conditions. Please use caution if you are spending time or working outside, as any spark could cause a wildfire to ignite and get out of control.
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 68 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area burning a total of 530 hectares (ha). There are currently 7 active wildfires burning in the forest area.
- LWF060 is now being held and is burning near the junction of Highway 55 and 866, southeast of Grandeur Lake. This wildfire is estimated at 47.9 ha in size.
- The remainder of the active wildfires are under control. Visit the wildfire status dashboard for additional information.
There are no threats to communities or structures at this time.
Mutual aid wildfires
Alberta Wildfire is assisting with several wildfires that are located outside of the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
- LCU002 near Redwater: Sturgeon County and Alberta Wildfire are working together to manage the Redwater Recreational Area fire. An incident management team from Alberta Wildfire will be assuming responsibility for firefighting operations as of May 9. The team will be managing the personnel, heavy equipment and aircraft required to supress this wildfire. Sturgeon County continues to be responsible for emergency response management and structure protection. For more information, see the Sturgeon County website.
- LCU005 near Boyle: Alberta Wildfire is also assisting Athabasca County on a wildfire located approximately 4.0 km south of the town of Boyle. Alberta Wildfire crews, dozers, helicopters and airtankers have been dispatched to assist on this 980 ha wildfire. For more information on this wildfire please visit the Athabasca County social media page or the Thorhild County Facebook page.
A mutual aid wildfire refers to a wildfire that occurs outside of the Forest Protection Area, typically within a municipal district or county. When such a wildfire grows beyond the capacity of local municipal firefighting resources, Alberta Wildfire may be called upon to provide assistance. In these cases, Alberta Wildfire supports the lead agency—the local municipality or county—in managing and containing the fire.
View other mutual aid wildfires, their locations and statistics on the interactive map on our wildfire status dashboard.
Fire ban
A fire ban is in effect for the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
See the fire ban poster and the fire ban factsheet for more information.
Smoke
Due to wildfires across the landscape, please be advised that smoke may impact visibility. Always exercise extreme caution when conditions are smoky; stay inside with your windows closed as much as you can.
- See firesmoke.ca to see smoke forecasting and where the smoke is coming from.
- Smoky conditions can affect your health, go to wildfire smoke and your health for more information.
Spring weather conditions
Spring is a critical time for wildfires when the dry and dead vegetation becomes exposed as the snow melts. As we continue to experience warm temperatures, the grass and other vegetation dries out becoming highly flammable. Windy conditions can cause a wildfire to start easily and spread quickly.
Contact info
Emily Smith
780-799-9253
[email protected]
Published on May 8, 2025 2:47 pm