COLD LAKE – The Medley Creek Wildfire (LWF132), burning north of Cold Lake, continues to challenge firefighting efforts despite some recent improvements in wildfire conditions.
As of July 29, the blaze is estimated at 4,708 hectares and remains classified as out of control, with most of the fire’s growth occurring to the north and northeast, away from Cold Lake.
While the wildfire danger rating in the Lac La Biche Forest Area has dropped from ‘extreme’ to ‘high,’ fire behaviour remains aggressive.
“Fire behaviour continues to be similar to recent days, with some moderation due to cooler overnight temperatures and lighter winds during the day,” said Josée St-Onge, provincial information officer for Alberta Wildfire. “The fire danger is expected to increase as temperatures climb over the next few days.”
According to the Government of Alberta's Wildfire update on July 30, “With hot and dry weather in the forecast, the fire danger is expected to remain elevated and may increase in the coming days. Conditions are favourable for wildfires to start easily and spread quickly, making them more challenging to control.”
Containment operations are actively underway at the fire north of Cold Lake.
“Firefighters continue to make progress on establishing containment lines around the fire, with support from heavy equipment and helicopters working to extinguish hot spots. These efforts can be challenged by factors like difficult terrain and active wildfire conditions,” said St-Onge.
Aerial support remains crucial to the fight. “Helicopters are supporting firefighting efforts by transporting personnel and equipment, providing aerial assessments to help prioritize objectives and delivering strategic water bucket drops. Air tankers are also available if conditions warrant,” said St-Onge.
There is no current risk to nearby communities or infrastructure, as the wildfire remains within the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range.
“We are working closely with the Royal Canadian Air Force to ensure everyone has the information needed to support safe operations in the area.”
There are currently no evacuation alerts, but St-Onge encourages the public to stay informed by using the Alberta Emergency Alert and Alberta Wildfire apps for the latest updates.
A fire restriction is in place in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, affecting outdoor wood fires on public lands.
In the Lac La Biche Forest Area, there are currently 16 active wildfires burning in the with five classified as out of control, two classified as being held and nine classified as under control.
Since Jan. 1, 2025, there have been 168 wildfires in the Lac La Biche Forest Area, burning a total of 74,937 ha.
Across the province, 49 wildfires are currently burning within Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, with 10 listed as out of control. Since the start of the year, over 850 wildfires have burned more than 671,000 hectares across Alberta.
More than 1,400 firefighters, including help from other provinces and international crews from Australia and Chile, are actively fighting fires across the province with support from heavy equipment, air tankers, and night vision helicopters, according to the Government of Alberta.
