As Alberta heads into the weekend, the wildfire danger is escalating across the province, particularly in northeastern regions. The Alberta Wildfire agency has issued warnings, indicating that conditions are extremely dry, with the Fort McMurray Forest Area rated as very high risk and the Lac La Biche region classified as extreme.
As of May 9, 2025, six wildfires have ignited in Fort McMurray’s forest area this year, with two fires still active but currently under control. A fire restriction has been implemented south of Lake Athabasca, prohibiting wood fires on public land, fireworks, and exploding targets. However, backyard fire pits and gas appliances are still permitted.
In the Grande Prairie Forest Area, the wildfire danger remains at very high. Alberta Wildfire has noted that while some rain has fallen, it has not provided sufficient relief. Firefighters are anticipating an increase in fire behavior due to the ongoing dry conditions. Consequently, a fire ban is enforced in both the City and County of Grande Prairie, prohibiting all outdoor wood fires, charcoal barbecues, and fireworks.
The Town of Edson has also instituted a full fire ban, with officials stating that the fire hazard rating for Edson is currently very high. As of the latest reports, there are 14 active wildfires across Alberta, most of which are classified as under control or being held.
The Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) System, which assesses fire potential, indicates that some areas in Alberta are at particularly high risk. The Slave Lake Forest Area, for instance, is experiencing extreme danger due to hot, dry, and windy conditions. Since January 1, 2025, there have been 52 wildfires reported in this region, resulting in a burned area of 36.33 hectares.
Past wildfires in Slave Lake have had devastating impacts, including a major fire in May 2011 that caused over $700 million in damages, making it one of the costliest insured disasters in Canadian history.
In the Lac La Biche forest area, six active wildfires are currently burning, with the wildfire danger rated as extreme. This year, 69 wildfires have been recorded in this region, burning a total of 530 hectares. Fire crews are actively working to extinguish fire LWF060 near the junction of Highway 55 and 866, which is estimated to be 47.9 hectares in size. Fortunately, the remainder of the active wildfires in Lac La Biche are considered under control, with no immediate threats to communities or structures.
Alberta Wildfire is also providing assistance with several wildfires located outside the Lac La Biche Forest Area. For example, the Redwater Recreation Area fire (LCU002) was active on May 8 due to strong winds, but firefighting crews reported good progress on May 9. Additionally, Alberta Wildfire is aiding Athabasca County with a wildfire (LCU005) located approximately 1.6 kilometers south of Boyle, which spans 980 hectares.
In the Edson Forest Area, although there are no active fires, the fire danger remains very high. Since the beginning of the year, 23 wildfires have occurred in Edson, burning a total of 14.91 hectares. The Grande Prairie Forest Area has seen 24 wildfires this year, with a total burned area of 9.49 hectares.
Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountain House Forest Area has experienced 34 wildfires, with two still active. Firefighters are actively managing these blazes as the dry conditions persist.
Other regions are also facing challenges. For instance, the High Level Forest Area has reported 25 wildfires to date, burning over 60 hectares. Firefighters are currently working to control wildfire HWF020, situated approximately 40 kilometers southwest of the Town of High Level.
In Calgary, while there are no current blazes, the Calgary Forest Area has responded to 13 wildfires this year, which have burned a total of 28.46 hectares. The Whitecourt Forest Area is at moderate danger, where forest officers are conducting hazard-reduction burns in Fox Creek to mitigate the risk posed by dry vegetation.
As the weekend approaches, Alberta Wildfire urges the public to remain vigilant. If residents observe smoke or fire in Alberta’s forests, they are encouraged to report it by calling 310-FIRE. With the current conditions, the risk of wildfires remains a serious concern, and authorities are emphasizing the importance of adhering to fire bans and restrictions.
Overall, Alberta is grappling with heightened wildfire dangers due to ongoing dry conditions, and while some areas remain under control, the potential for new ignitions is significant. Public awareness and compliance with fire regulations are crucial as the province navigates through this challenging period.
