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Extreme wildfire danger
The wildfire danger across the Slave Lake Forest Area is extreme due to hot, dry and windy weather. Under these conditions, fires can start easily and spread rapidly. Firefighters urge everyone to avoid any activities that could start a wildfire.
Although some areas received rain, the amount needed to improve the dry conditions overall will need to be significant.
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 115 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 344,814.87 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,SWF095, SWF099,SWF100, SWF101, SWF110, SWF115)
The Red Earth East Complex includes 10 wildfires located east of Highway 88. An incident management team from the United States will be arriving next week. Yesterday firefighters from the Yukon arrived and are working with heavy equipment groups overnight.
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 will continue to work on extinguishing hotspots on the wildfire today.
Due to precipitation and cooler conditions, heavy equipment and helicopters bucketing were able to work on SWF092 yesterday and will be deployed again today. SWF092 remains approximately seven kilometres southeast of Red Earth Creek and about 9 kilometres west of Trout Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is estimated at 60,408 hectares.
Sprinkler systems have been installed on buildings in the Trout Lake and Peerless Lake communities and a high volume water system is in place. Portable mobile fire retardant bases have been established to allow heavy equipment to continue to spread fire retardant in the communities.
Wildfire SWF095 is located east of the Peerless Lake community. The wildfire is now being held and is 769 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. The wildfire has been showing reduced wildfire behaviour.
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 7,999 hectares. Heavy equipment and crews worked overnight on the wildfire. Firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters bucketing will continue working on the wildfire today.
Heavy equipment is being deployed on SWF100.
For information about the wildfires in the Red Earth East Wildfire Complex, contact Dan Troke at 780-843-5772 or [email protected]
Wildfire along Highway 88
Wildfire SWF088 remains approximately 24 kilometres north of Marten Beach. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is 10,448 hectares in size. Despite strong and gusty winds yesterday, the wildfire did not grow or exhibit increased fire behavior. Firefighters made good progress extinguishing hotspots along the south and northeast side of the wildfire. Strong and gusty winds from the northwest are expected again today. Firefighters supported by aircraft and heavy equipment continue to fight this wildfire.
Smoke or small fires observed along Highway 88 located within previously burned areas are not a threat at this time. Highway 88 remains open, and visibility is currently good.
The Slave Lake Fire Centre is coordinating firefighting efforts for new wildfire starts and wildfires SWF078, SWF088 and SWF105. For information on the these wildfires, contact Leah Lovequist at 780-849-0945 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].
Fire ban
A fire ban is now in effect for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public and private land, designated firepits and backyard firepits
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Contact info
Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]
Published on June 7, 2025 12:49 pm