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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - August 06, 2025

High wildfire danger

Due to warm and windy conditions, the wildfire danger has climbed to high and very high for the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Under these conditions, a wildfire will ignite easily and spread quickly.

Please continue to use caution with outdoor burning, as well as any work or recreational activities that could spark a wildfire. 
 

Wildfire situation

Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers responded to one new wildfire yesterday afternoon. SWF167, located approximately 70 km north of Red Earth Creek, is estimated to be 40 hectares (ha) and is classified as out of control. This wildfire was caused by lightning that occurred in the area several days ago. Airtankers were successful in slowing the spread and firefighters are working to contain the wildfire.  At this time, the wildfire does not pose a threat to highway 88.

There are 12 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area, 7 are out of control and 5 are under control. 

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 167 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, burning a total of 378,471 ha. 

See the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard for up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, statistics and more.

 

Red Earth East Complex

The Red Earth East Complex includes 8 active wildfires that are located east of Highway 88. 

Map of the Red Earth East Complex

  • Out of control: SWF085, SWF089, SWF092, SWF094, SWF100 and SWF115
  • Under control: SWF095 and SWF099 

An evacuation order remains in effect for Chipewyan Lake. The wildfire threat to the community remains minimal.

Due to warm and dry conditions yesterday, there was increased fire activity on wildfires in the complex.  However, today's weather is expected to be more favorable, with increased humidity and lighter winds that will help reduce fire activity and support firefighting efforts. The forecast is also calling for a chance of scattered showers this afternoon.

SWF092 firefighters and helicopter Firefighters use a helicopter with bucket to cool a hot spot on SWF092. August 5, 2025

Firefighters, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment, continue working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots.

These wildfires are large and will take time to fully extinguish. Smoke may be visible at times as pockets of unburnt vegetation ignite in the interior of fires.

  • SWF085, which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, is 137,298 ha in size. Firefighters in a helicopter continue to monitor the wildfire for activity.
  • SWF089, located approximately 5.5 km east of Peerless Lake, is 12,520 ha in size.
  • SWF092, located about 7 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and 8.5 km west of Trout Lake, is 82,790 ha.
  • SWF094, located about 31 km northwest of Chipewyan Lake, is 73,429 ha.
  • SWF100, located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake, is 18,015 ha in size.

For information about the wildfires in the Red Earth East Wildfire Complex, please email [email protected]

Give firefighters space to work

There are active wildfire operations happening in and around communities. For your safety and ours, please avoid these areas and give firefighters the space they need to work safely.

The Red Earth Creek Airport is currently being used as a staging area for personnel, helicopters, and equipment. Helicopters and heavy equipment are operating regularly, and unauthorized access creates a serious risk.

Fire advisory

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Under this advisory:

  • Existing fire permits are valid.
  • New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only.

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire is prohibited.

Visit Alberta Fire Bans for details and to view a map of the fire advisory area.

Smoky conditions

Smoky conditions may persist in the Slave Lake Forest Area. To find the source of the smoke, visit FireSmoke Canada. If you have smoke related health concerns, call Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811 or visit Alberta Health Services.

 

Get your free fire permit 

From March 1 to October 31, a fire permit is required for any burning in the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire. Fire permits ensure safe burning practices are being followed and allow firefighters to know where burning is approved.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local forestry office.

  • Slave Lake 780-849-7377
  • Wabasca 780-891-3860
  • High Prairie 780-523-6619

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]

Published on August 6, 2025 11:30 am