Notifications

Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.

Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - August 08, 2025

Low wildfire danger

The wildfire danger remains low in the Slave Lake area due to recent rain. Under these conditions, wildfires are less likely to start or spread. North of Red Earth has received less rain, causing the fire danger to rise to moderate. 

Wildfire situation

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 169 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.

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 occurred on August 5 and was caused by lightning that occurred in the area several days ago. Firefighters with helicopters continue to make good progress fighting this wildfire. The wildfire does not pose a threat to highway 88.


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.

Although less rain fell than originally forecast yesterday, cool temperatures and cloud cover across the complex supported firefighting efforts, and minimal fire activity was observed. Today’s conditions remain favourable, with high humidity and below-average temperatures which could further assist firefighting efforts.

Firefighters, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment, continue working to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hotspots. These wildfires are large and will take time to fully extinguish. Smoke may be visible at times.

Firefighters with hose SWF092

Firefighters laying hose on SWF092, Aug. 4, 2025.

  • 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.

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

Published on August 8, 2025 11:01 am