Slave Lake Forest Area - June 10, 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 118 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 359,547.83 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, SWF116)

The Red Earth East Complex includes 11 wildfires located east of Highway 88. An incident management team is established and is organizing all firefighting operations on these wildfires.

Wildfire SWF085, which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, is classified as burning out of control and is 133,659 hectares. Fire activity has increased on the south side of the wildfire and smoke may be visible in the Wabasca area. Today, firefighters will be working to extinguish hotspots, and airtankers will be working to slow the spread on the south side.

Wildfire SWF092 is located approximately 7.5 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and 8.6 km west of Trout Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 68,565 hectares. 

Yesterday, helicopters were bucketing along the northwest and east sides of the wildfire. Heavy equipment strengthened containment lines — one group working directly on the northwest corner, and the other progressing northward along the west side of the wildfire from the southwest to the northwest. The wildfire saw significant growth in the southwest corner, which caused heavy smoke and reduced visibility on the east side. Today, firefighters and heavy equipment will continue to work on strengthening containment lines on the northwest corner and helicopters are bucketing on the east side of the wildfire when visibility allows. 

Wildfire SWF089 is located approximately 10.5 km east of Peerless Lake. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 9,889 hectares. As fire activity increased throughout the day yesterday, heavy equipment was deployed to the southeast corner of the fire to begin establishing containment lines. Helicopters supported the operation by bucketing along the active edges and will continue to do so today, working to limit the wildfire’s spread to the west.

Wildfire SWF101 has merged with wildfire SWF100. Firefighters and heavy equipment have established strong containment lines on the west side of the wildfire and are now focusing their efforts on the east side. 

Wildfire SWF100 is located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is now 12,661 hectares. Helicopters with buckets will be working along the east side, while heavy equipment are working to connect containment lines with the surrounding lakes.

Sprinkler systems have been installed and successfully tested in the communities of Red Earth Creek, Trout Lake, and Peerless Lake. Mulching operations to increase protection are underway in the Red Earth Creek and Loon River First Nation.

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

Blue Sky Fire (SWF088)

Wildfire SWF088 is now 22 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 grew in areas on the north, south and east sides. Helicopters with buckets and airtankers worked on these active areas. Currently, with winds from the northwest the wildfire is experiencing some growth on the south side. Helicopters are bucketing on hot spots and heavy equipment are repositioning to the south side to build containment lines around this new active area.  

Highway 88 is currently open, however smoke in the area may reduce visibility. Visit 511 Alberta for the most up to date information on road conditions.

The Slave Lake Fire Centre is coordinating firefighting efforts for new wildfire starts and the Blue Sky Fire. For information on the wildfire, 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. 

Late into the evening yesterday, there was growth along the west perimeter of the fire. Firefighters worked late into the evening with bucket support from helicopters. Airtankers also supported the west side to cool the area so firefighters could establish a containment line around the new growth. Heavy equipment worked into the night to strengthen containment lines.

Today, we’re expecting similar conditions with moderate winds and dry conditions. Firefighters, aircraft, and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any spread on the perimeter of this wildfire. 

Although the overall wildfire risk has decreased in some areas, some dangers 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 evacuation order for the Town of Swan Hills has been downgraded to an evacuation alert. For more information, visit Alberta Emergency Alert or the Town of Swan Hill’s website.

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].

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]