Slave Lake Forest Area - June 13, 2025

Wildfire situation 

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 118 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 379,929 hectares (ha).

There are currently 18 active wildfires in the forest area. 

For the most up-to-date information, see the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.  

Red Earth East Complex 

The Red Earth East Complex, located east of Highway 88, includes 10 wildfires that are all classified as out of control: SWF085, SWF089, SWF091, SWF092, SWF094, SWF095, SWF099, SWF100, SWF110 and SWF115.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following communities: 

• Chipewyan Lake
• Red Earth Creek
• Loon River First Nation
• Trout Lake and Peerless Lake

There is little potential for fire spread and increased activity today, due to the continued rainfall across the complex. This change in conditions is providing firefighters with an opportunity to strengthen and expand containment lines. While this rainfall will not fully extinguish the fires, it is offering much-needed relief and supporting continued progress on suppression efforts.

SWF085 is estimated to be 137,878 ha. This wildfire is affecting the community of Chipewyan Lake. Firefighters continue to be supported by heavy equipment and helicopters as they work on building containment lines and extinguishing hot spots where conditions allow.

SWF089 is estimated to be 11,966 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 14 km east of Peerless Lake. Heavy equipment continues to establish containment lines, with nearby lakes serving as natural barriers to help limit the fire's spread.

SWF092 is estimated to be 77,268 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 7.5 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and 9 km west of Trout Lake. Firefighters, heavy equipment and helicopters conducting bucketing operations continue working along the south and southeast sides of the wildfire. Crews are also continuing to reinforce containment lines on the northwest corner to help limit further spread.

SWF095 is estimated to be 1,084 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 2 km from Peerless Lake and 7 km from Trout Lake. Bodies of water bordering the wildfire are helping to limit its spread to the south and east. Some activity continues within the fire’s interior, and firefighters are working to establish containment lines to further restrict its growth.

SWF100 is estimated to be 15,739 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake. On the east side of the wildfire, heavy equipment has established containment lines, with nearby lakes helping to limit fire spread. Yesterday, firefighters focused on the southwest corner of the fire, supported by helicopters conducting bucketing operations until smoke reduced visibility in the afternoon. Crews will continue working on containment lines today, with resources allocated to priority areas as conditions permit.

Wildland urban interface (WUI) crews have installed sprinkler systems in the communities of Loon Lake, Red Earth Creek, Trout Lake and Peerless Lake. A WUI crew is trained in both wildland and urban firefighting and specializes in this work. The sprinkler systems they install help protect buildings by a keeping the surrounding areas damp, reducing the risk of ignition.

The fires included in this complex that are not listed above are not currently considered a threat to any communities.

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

Blue Sky Complex

The Blue Sky Complex includes two wildfires, SWF088 and SWF076, that are being managed together. 

Blue Sky wildfire (SWF088)

This wildfire is located 22 km north of Marten Beach. It is classified as out of control and is estimated to be 12,386 ha. This wildfire was active along the west side yesterday, where aircraft supported containment and suppression efforts. Some activity was also observed within the fire’s interior. Firefighters and heavy equipment worked along the south side to continue strengthening containment lines. This wildfire received rain yesterday, with more expected today it is offering much-needed relief and supporting continued progress on suppression efforts.

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

Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076)

This wildfire is located approximately 8 km north of Swan Hills. This wildfire remains classified as being held. It is estimated to be 16,852 ha. This wildfire received rain yesterday, with more expected today. This weather is supporting firefighters as they continue working in the fire’s interior, using helicopter bucketing operations to suppress active areas and work toward extinguishment.

An evacuation alert remains in effect for the Town of Swan Hills, for information, see Alberta Emergency Alert or the Town of Swan Hill’s website. 

The Town of Swan Hills is hosting a public information session related to the Edith Lake wildfire on Monday, June 16 at 7pm, see their website for more details.

Please be advised that reduced speeds on Highway 33 are to protect wildfire crews working in the area. 

For information about the wildfires in the Blue Sky Complex, contact Sharma Chavez at 505-379-0497 or [email protected].  

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.

Smoke conditions

Smoky conditions are expected to continue in the area due to ongoing wildfire activity. FireSmoke Canada provides hourly forecasts of smoke concentrations and identifies the source wildfires. If you have smoke related health concerns, call Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811 or visit Alberta Health Services.

Contact info

Allanah McLean
403-418-5023
[email protected]