Lac La Biche Forest Area - May 11, 2025

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 76 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area burning a total of 534 hectares (ha). There are currently 9 active wildfires burning in the forest area. 

• Wildfire LWF072 is being held and has burned an estimated 20 ha. Alberta Wildfire responded quickly to this wildfire with firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment. Crews continue to work on extinguishing this fire.
• 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 

The Redwater Recreation Area fire is still classified as out of control, at 3,214 hectares in size.

Cloud cover helped lower the intensity of the fire again yesterday. Firefighters were able to make good progress on containing the perimeter, with the support of helicopters.

A crew of firefighters worked overnight to patrol and maintain structure protection around residences.

Alberta Wildfire used a drone to conduct an infrared scan of the fire last evening. The scan detects hot spots along the perimeter of the fire, which helps firefighters focus their efforts. The drone was able to do a partial scan before rain prevented further scanning.

About 1 mm of rain fell on the fire last night, which should help keep fire activity low again today.

Residents may notice smoke, as unburnt pockets of vegetation within the perimeter of the fire can ignite as the day warms up. This is normal and expected. 

For more information, please visit the Sturgeon County website. 

LCU005

Alberta Wildfire is also assisting Athabasca County on a wildfire located approximately 1.6 km south of the outer boundary of Boyle. Alberta Wildfire crews, dozers, and helicopters are assisting municipal resources on this 980 ha wildfire. For more information on this wildfire please visit the Athabasca County Facebook page or the Thorhild County Facebook page.

We also continue our wildfire support work on mutual aid fires LCU001, LCU006 and LCU007

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.

Smoke

Due to wildfires across the landscape, please be advised that smoke may impact visibility. Always use caution when conditions are smoky. Stay inside with your windows closed as much as you can.

• Visit 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

Randi-Marie Adams
780-404-9186
[email protected]