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Thanks to much-needed rain, the fire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is currently low. Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have added moisture to vegetation, helping to reduce the overall wildfire risk. Even in cool and damp conditions, wildfires can still start. If you're spending time outdoors, please be cautious and do your part to prevent wildfires.
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:
Recent rainfall has helped reduce wildfire activity across the Red Earth East Complex and is helping with work on containing these wildfires. Size and distance updates for the wildfires below reflect more accurate mapping in relation to nearby communities.
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 12,435 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 5.5 km east of Peerless Lake. Firefighters and heavy equipment are working to build containment lines on the wildfire’s southwest side to help prevent further spread.
SWF092 is estimated to be 77,458 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 7 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and 8.5 km west of Trout Lake. Firefighters and heavy equipment will continue establishing and reinforcing containment lines along the northwest side of the fire.
SWF095 is estimated to be 1,271 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 2 km from Peerless Lake and 7 km from Trout Lake. Firefighters have made good progress on containment lines along the north and south sides, helping to limit the fire’s spread toward nearby communities. Bodies of water bordering the wildfire continue to help restrict its movement to the south and east, where the fire has shown increased activity.
SWF100 is estimated to be 16,396 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake. Containment lines have been established on the east side, with nearby lakes helping to limit fire spread. The fire has grown on the southwest side toward Highway 686. Firefighters and heavy equipment are continuing to build containment lines along the west side. Helicopters are providing continuous water bucket support throughout the day as conditions allow.
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 13,684 ha. This change in size reflects more accurate mapping. Recent rainfall over the fire area has significantly reduced fire activity, with little to no growth observed. However, wet and muddy conditions have made access challenging for firefighters. They continue working in areas that remain accessible, and as conditions begin to dry, they will assess priority areas to support containment efforts once access improves.
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. It is estimated to be 16,852 ha and remains classified as being held. This means given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past existing boundaries. Firefighters will continue to work on extinguishing hot spots on the and remain ready to respond to any areas where fire activity may increase.
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 7 pm, 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].
Fire ban
A fire ban is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Under this fire ban all outdoor wood fires are prohibited and exiting fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited:
- All outdoor wood fires on public and private land. This includes campfires in:
- backcountry and random camping areas
- designated campgrounds
- day use areas
- private land
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
This fire ban will remain in effect until conditions improve, see Alberta Fire Bans for more information.
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]
Published on June 14, 2025 1:37 pm