Slave Lake Forest Area - July 16, 2025

There are 11 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area, 5 are out of control, 3 are being held and 3 are under control. 

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

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 143 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, burning a total of 372,814 hectares (ha).

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 and SWF100.
• Being held: SWF095, SWF099 and SWF115.

Warm and dry conditions are expected to persist over the coming days. As a result, an increase in smoke may be visible from surrounding communities and along Highway 88. This smoke is primarily coming from the interior of wildfires within the complex. Firefighters continue to focus their efforts on priority areas across the complex and are making steady progress. There has been no significant growth on any wildfires.

An infrared scan was conducted to identify areas of remaining heat, with scanning completed on wildfires along the west side of the complex. Infrared scanning is expected to continue on the east side tonight.

SWF085, which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, is 135,971 ha in size and is classified as out of control. The wildfire threat to the community of Chipewyan Lake remains minimal. Firefighters in a helicopter continue to monitor the wildfire and have reported very little fire activity over the past several days. Any new smoke sightings are being addressed by helicopters equipped with water buckets. 

SWF089, located approximately 5.5 km east of Peerless Lake, is 12,927 hectares in size and remains classified as out of control. Fire activity remains low. Firefighters in a helicopter are monitoring the wildfire today.

SWF092, located approximately 7 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and 8.5 km west of Trout Lake, is 79,550 ha in size and classified as out of control. The most active areas remain concentrated in the southern portion of the wildfire. Firefighters are working along the east side and in the southwest corner, where access has been challenging. Helicopters with buckets are supporting them. In the southwest corner, heavy equipment groups are assisting firefighters by improving access to water sources.

Costa Rican firefighters heading to work on wildfire SWF092. Photo taken July 13

SWF094, located approximately 31 km northwest of Chipewyan Lake, is 71,529 hectares in size and remains classified as out of control. One helicopter equipped with a bucket is cooling hot spots along the southwest section. 

SWF100, located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake, is 18,377 ha in size and is classified as out of control. Firefighters are working along Highway 686 to extinguish remaining hot spots and ensure the corridor remains safe. The east side of the wildfire is quiet, and firefighters are steadily progressing westward. 

SWF095 located approximately 5 km from Peerless Lake and 7 km from Trout Lake, is 1,307 hectares in size and is classified as being held. Firefighters are working along the west side of the wildfire with wildland urban interface crews. Helicopters equipped with buckets are providing support as firefighters work to extinguish remaining hot spots.
 

Evacuation information 

• An evacuation order remains in effect for the communities of Chipewyan Lake, and Trout Lake and Peerless Lake.
• A 2-hour evacuation alert remains in effect for the communities of Red Earth Creek and Loon Lake.

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

Smoke conditions

Smoke from wildfires burning across Canada may result in smoky conditions in the Slave Lake Forest Area. To see where the smoke is coming from visit FireSmoke Canada. If you have smoke related health concerns, call Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811 or visit Alberta Health Services.

Lightning caused wildfires 

Recent lightning in the area may have started wildfires that are still smoldering unseen and could flare up later when conditions are right. If you see smoke in the forest or signs of wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473). Quick reporting helps firefighters respond faster and reduces the risk of wildfires spreading.

Get your free fire permit 

You will need a fire permit for any burning in the Forest Protection Area, except for a campfire, from March 1 to October 31. Fire permits ensure safe burning practices are being followed and allow staff 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

Dan Troke
7808435772
[email protected]