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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - June 08, 2025

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.

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 345,187.87 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 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. 

Wildfire SWF085 which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, is classified as burning out of control and is 132,247.6 hectares. Firefighters with a helicopter are monitoring the wildfire and extinguishing visible hotspots closest to the community. 

Wildfire SWF092 is located approximately 7 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and about 9 km west of Trout Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 60,408 hectares. Helicopters are conducting bucket drops on areas of active growth along the east side of the wildfire, while heavy equipment is building containment lines on the north and northwest sides. Firefighters are actively working along these containment lines to extinguish hotspots.

Wildfire SWF100 is located approximately 9.5 km west of Peerless Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 7,999 hectares. Helicopters are conducting bucket drops on areas of active fire behavior, while heavy equipment is building containment lines on the east side of the wildfire. Firefighters are actively working on extinguishing hotspots on the north and east sides of the wildfire.

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 SWF115 was detected yesterday and is approximately 20 km north of Chipewyan Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is estimated at 300 hectares.  

Wildfire SWF095 is located east of the Peerless Lake community. The wildfire is being held and is 769 hectares in size. Heavy equipment has built a containment line on the south, west and northern sides and the east side is contained by the lake. Firefighters continue to extinguish smouldering ground fires.

SWF100 Iron Line night Heavy equipment working on SWF100 overnight.

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 -Blue Sky Fire (SWF088)

Wildfire SWF088 remains approximately 24 km north of Marten Beach. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is 10,521 hectares in size. Late yesterday afternoon, the wildfire did experience some growth in areas on the north and east sides.  At this time, airtankers are working on the active area on the east side of the wildfire. Heavy equipment will be building containment lines around these new active areas.  Firefighters continue to work on extinguishing hotspots on the south and north sides of the wildfire. Highway 88 remains open; however smoke in the area may reduce visibility.

Firefighters Firefighters continue to extinguish hotspots on SWF088 June 8, 2025.

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 km 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 8, 2025 2:05 pm