COLD LAKE - A wildfire burning north of Cold Lake within the Air Weapons Range is still classified as being out of control, as of July 15.
The Meadley River Wildfire, also known as LWF132, "was discovered on July 9 and is currently burning out of control. The fire is estimated at 3,374 hectares (ha) and is located in the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. It has reached the west side of Primrose Lake," reads an update from Alberta Wildfire, on July 15.
"Heavy equipment, supported by night vision equipped helicopters continued work overnight on the northeast and south sides of this wildfire," states the update.
Heavy smoke surrounding the fire has resulted in Alberta Wildfire not being at update the perimeter of the wildfire, according to Alberta Wildfire.
Smoke has also been noted in the air in many Lakeland communities on Tuesday, prompting a Special Air Quality Statement from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
"Wildfire smoke is causing poor air quality due to elevated values of fine particulate matter," reads the statement. "Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour."
The fire risk in the Lac La Biche Forest Area remains "very high."
"Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected to continue 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 take all necessary precautions to prevent new wildfires," according to to Government of Alberta.
Other fires in Lac La Biche Forest Area
Among the other fires burning within the Lac La Biche Forest Area is LWF131, which is now being held and estimated at 20 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," according to Alberta Wildfire.
The Caribou Lake Wildfire Complex includes wildfires LWF090 and LWF097. These wildfires are being managed together, according to the provincial government.
And LWF090 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.
"There are currently 10 active wildfires burning in the Lac la Biche Forest Area, with one classified as out of control, two classified as being held and seven classified as under control. Since Jan. 1, 2025, there have been 136 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 72,453 ha," according to Alberta Wildfire.
