Albert Wildfire Crews build fire guard near Conklin
Wildfire danger extreme in Fort McMurray Forest Area as fire advisories remain in place
FORT McMURRAY, AB. — The wildfire danger is extreme in the northern portion of the Fort McMurray Forest Area and very high in the remainder, with hot and dry conditions expected to increase the risk in the coming days.
A fire advisory remains in effect, allowing existing permits to remain valid while new permits are issued only at the discretion of a Forest Officer for essential burning. Burning without a valid permit, except for campfires, is prohibited. Safe campfires are permitted on public and private lands as well as in designated campgrounds.
There are currently just four active wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area. All are under control and being monitored for smoke and hot spots, and there is no risk to communities. Since Jan. 1, 2025, 49 wildfires have burned about 79,201 hectares in the Fort McMurray Forest Area.
South of Fort McMurray, conditions are more challenging. The Lac La Biche Forest Area, which includes southern sections of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), faces very high danger levels as heat and dry weather create conditions for fires to easily ignite and spread quickly.
Several wildfires in the Lac La Biche region remain out of control.
LWF172, east of Highway 55 and southeast of Beaver Lake Cree Nation, is estimated at 29 hectares. Firefighters are working to limit its spread with support from airtankers and helicopters.
The Medley River wildfire, LWF132, covers about 4,683 hectares in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. Fire activity increased along the north side due to weather conditions and available fuel, while smoke from the south side may be visible in nearby communities.
The Pelican Wildfire Complex includes LWF150, LWF139 and LWF131. None of them are threatening communities, and sprinklers have been installed on area buildings as a precaution. LWF150 is 737 hectares and out of control northwest of Wandering River. LWF139 is 225 hectares and out of control on the west side of the Athabasca River, 25 kilometres west of Highway 63. LWF131 is 29 hectares and is being held.
A fire restriction remains in place for parts of the Lac La Biche Forest Area. Outdoor wood fires on public land, fireworks and burning on private land without a campfire are prohibited. Safe backyard firepits, propane and natural gas appliances, barbecue briquettes and indoor wood fires are still allowed.
More information and maps of current advisories and restrictions are available at Alberta Fire Bans.
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