Slave Lake Forest Area - June 11, 2025

Wildfire situation

Firefighters, supported by helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment continue to fight 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 374,740.50 hectares.

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

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 from the United States has assumed responsibility for managing firefighting operations on these wildfires.

Evacuation order

An evacuation order remains in effect for the communities of Chipewyan Lake, Red Earth Creek, Loon River First Nation, Trout Lake and Peerless Lake. 

Eastern area of complex

Wildfire SWF085, which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, is classified as burning out of control and is 133,659 hectares. Firefighters and airtankers targeted hotspots along the southern edge of the fire and east of the Chipewyan Lake

Central area of complex

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. Yesterday, the southern head of the wildfire moved west, away from Peerless Lake. Today, fire growth will likely be driven by dry conditions, as trees in the area have little moisture. In preparation, firefighters have installed sprinklers and applied retardant around the community of Peerless. Structure protection crews trained in wildland urban interface are in the community to respond as needed. 

Wildfire SWF100 is located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is now 15,598 hectares. Firefighters and heavy equipment worked on wildfire SWF100 overnight, focusing on reinforcing containment lines on the northwest corner. Today, helicopters conducted bucketing operations on the east side of the fire. Heavy equipment are working to connect containment lines to nearby lakes. A large fire guard has been created, up to road 686, to create a buffer between the fire and unburnt fuel.  

Western area of complex

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 76,969 hectares. Firefighters implemented a successful ignition operation on the northwest flank of the wildfire. The ignition operation will limit the fire's spread towards the community of Red Earth. Today, firefighters and aircraft will secure, extend and maintain containment lines.

Sprinkler systems have been installed in the communities of Red Earth Creek, Trout Lake, and Peerless Lake.

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

Blue Sky and Edith Lake Wildfires (SWF088 and SWF076)

An incident management team from the United States has arrived and will assume responsibility for managing firefighting operations on these wildfires. 

The Blue Sky wildfire (SWF088) is located 22 km north of Marten Beach. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is 12,386 hectares in size. Today, helicopters with buckets and heavy equipment continue work on active areas of the wildfire and firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots.  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.

Evacuation alert

A 2-hour evacuation alert is in effect for the community of Marten Beach. Residents are advised to monitor Alberta Emergency Alert for detailed information and updates. 

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. 

There was growth along the west perimeter of the fire yesterday. 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 lighter 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. 

Evacuation alert

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.

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.

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]