Lac La Biche Forest Area - July 12, 2025
The wildfire danger is very high in the Lac La Biche Forest Area.
Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue, combined with gusty winds, over the coming days. There is a high risk of wildfires igniting and spreading rapidly. Firefighters urge everyone to be extremely cautious when outdoors and to take all necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires.
Wildfire situation
LWF132
This wildfire was discovered on July 9 and is currently burning out of control. The fire is estimated to be 2,500 hectares (ha) in size and is located approximately 2 km west of Primrose Lake, in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.
Alberta Wildfire conducted overnight operations with night vision equipped helicopters to help secure the south and southeast sides of the wildfire.
Windy conditions will continue today, which could lead to increased fire activity. Winds will be coming out of the west at 30 km/h, with gusts of up to 55 km/h.
Firefighters are continuing suppression efforts, along with airtankers, helicopters with buckets and water skimmers. Work is focused on the south side of this wildfire to prevent any spread.
LWF131
This wildfire is currently burning out of control and estimated at 5 ha in size. The fire is located approximately 32 km northwest of Wandering River, near the west side of the Athabasca River. Firefighters are responding to the wildfire with support from helicopters with buckets. No communities are at risk at this time.
Caribou Lake Wildfire Complex
The Caribou Lake Wildfire Complex includes wildfires LWF090 and LWF097. These wildfires are being managed together.
LWF090
This wildfire is currently burning out of control and is an estimated 67,886 ha in size. It is 17 km southeast of Conklin and 28 km south of the Janvier airstrip.
There has been little change in wildfire activity as firefighters have been making good progress on maintaining containment lines and preventing any further growth of the fire. Suppression efforts continue, supported by heavy equipment and helicopters.
Wildfire statistics
There are currently 11 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with 3 classified as out of control and 8 classified as under control. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 135 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 70,130 ha.
Campfire safety
Abandoned campfires cause many wildfires every year in Alberta. These human-caused wildfires are completely preventable. Never leave a campfire unattended and always fully extinguish it when you are done. Soak it, stir it and soak it again, until the coals are cool to the touch.
Fire permits required
During wildfire season, a fire permit is required in the Forest Protection Area for all burning except campfires. Permits help us track where burning projects are happening and outline the conditions for a safe burn. Request your free fire permit online.
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).
Published on July 12, 2025 1:06 pm
Wildfire season runs March 1 – October 31.
From March 1 to October 31, all burning activities in the Forest Protection Area, excluding campfires, require a fire permit.
Prevent wildfires by checking on winter burn sites. Winter burns can smoulder underground and often reignite in the spring. Extinguish a fire by soaking it, stirring it, and soaking it again.
Contact info
Randi-Marie Adams
780-404-9186
randi.adams@gov.ab.ca