Slave Lake Forest Area - June 06, 2025

Wildfire situation

Firefighters, supported by helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment continue to fight the multiple wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 113 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 341,211.67 hectares.

To see wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status app or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Evacuation

An evacuation order remains in effect for the communities of Chipewyan Lake, Red Earth Creek, Loon River First Nation, Trout Lake and Peerless Lake. A 4-hour evacuation alert is in effect for the community of Swan Hills and a 2-hour evacuation alert is now in effect for Marten Beach. Residents are advised to monitor Alberta Emergency Alert for detailed information and updates. 

Smoky conditions

Due to the ongoing wildfire activity, smoky conditions are expected to persist across the area. Visit FireSmoke Canada to see where the smoke is coming from. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link.

Highway closures

When traveling in areas where wildfires are close to highways, please slow down and follow all posted signs. For your safety and the safety of our firefighters, road closures or reduced speed limits may be in place. For the most up-to-date information on road conditions, visit 511 Alberta.

Red Earth East Complex (SWF085, SWF089,SWF091, SWF092,SWF094,SWF095, SWF099,SWF100, SWF101, SWF110)

The Red Earth East Complex includes 10 wildfires located east of Highway 88. An incident management team has been established and is coordinating firefighting efforts.

Wildfire SWF085, which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, has been showing reduced wildfire behaviour due to the recent rain. It is classified as burning out of control and is 132,247.6 hectares. Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots on the wildfire today.

Wildfire SWF092 was showing intensified fire behaviour and heavy smoke causing visibility to be extremely limited on the eastern side of the wildfire yesterday. Wildfire SWF092 remains approximately 7 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and is approximately 9 km west of Trout Lake. Due to precipitation and cooler than forecasted conditions heavy equipment and helicopters bucketing are working on SWF092 today. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 57,944 hectares in size.

Sprinkler systems have been installed on buildings and a fire guard has been established in the Trout Lake community.

Wildfire SWF095 is located east of the Peerless Lake community. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 888 hectares in size. Heavy equipment and crews have built a containment line around this wildfire on the south, west and northern sides. The east side is contained by the lake. 

Wildfire SWF100 is located along Highway 686 approximately 15 km west of Peerless Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 6,741 hectares. There was a significant increase in fire behaviour on the northern and northeastern sides of the wildfire yesterday. Helicopters, firefighters and heavy equipment are working on trying to limit the spread of the wildfire today. 

Due to hot, dry and windy conditions fire behaviour increased on 
SWF100 yesterday. Photo taken on June 5, 2025.

For information about the wildfires in the Red Earth East Wildfire Complex, contact Dan Troke at 780-843-5772 or [email protected]

Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076)

The Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076) is located approximately 8 kilometres north of Swan Hills.

Thanks to the efforts of firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, this wildfire is classified as being held. It is estimated at 16,852 hectares in size. This means that, given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past existing boundaries.

The evacuation order for the Town of Swan Hills has been downgraded to an evacuation alert. For more information, visit Alberta Emergency Alert.

Although the overall wildfire risk has decreased, some hazards remain. Residents and anyone in the area are encouraged to stay alert, take precautions and avoid the wildfire area when returning to the community. Possible dangers include:

• Unstable trees that may fall without warning
• Hidden hot spots or ash pits
• Smouldering materials
• Displaced wildlife in the area

Please use caution when moving through the area and be advised that reduced speed limits are in place along Highway 33 to protect wildfire crews working in the area. 

More information

The Edith Lake Wildfire is part of the Swan Complex (SCX002), which also includes the Hubert Lake Wildfire (WWF023) in the Whitecourt Forest Area. For details, visit the Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update. For information on the Swan Complex, contact Colby Lachance at 780-286-4332 or [email protected].