Slave Lake Forest Area - June 16, 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 382,614.56 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

The Red Earth East Complex includes 10 wildfires located east of Highway 88. An incident management team from the United States has assumed responsibility for managing firefighting operations on these wildfires. 

Warm temperatures and wind will evaporate moisture from trees and fire behavior is expected to increase. Firefighters and heavy equipment have been preparing and have been reinforcing the containment lines. 

SWF089 is estimated to be 12,436 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 5.5 km east of Peerless Lake. Heavy equipment has been working between the fire and Peerless Lake to tie containment lines in with existing roads. Firefighters are also focusing on protecting powerlines and poles to maintain power to the Peerless Lake community.

SWF095 is estimated to be 1,271 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 2 km from Peerless Lake and 7 km from Trout Lake. Heavy equipment is completing the containment line south of Peerless lake.

SWF100 is estimated to be 16,841 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake. Firefighters are being flown into hard-to-reach areas on the east side of the fire where roads are either impassable or non-existent to assist in establishing a direct, primary guard, 5 km west of Peerless.

SWF092 is estimated to be 76,891 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 7 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and 8.5 km west of Trout Lake. Fire retardant is being applied to strengthen the existing containment lines between Red Earth Creek and the fire.

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 wildfires 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 and Edith Lake Wildfires (SWF088 and SWF076)

The Blue Sky wildfire (SWF088) is located 22 km north of Marten Beach. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is 13,684 hectares. 

With warmer weather expected, fire behavior is expected to increase. At this time, there has been no fire growth and there is no threat to any of the containment lines. As the days continue to warm up, areas of interior smoke will be visible. Helicopters are inserting firefighters onto the wildfire to work on hot spots. In addition, aircraft are assisting firefighters by conducting targeted water drops to help cool hot spots.

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

An 8 hour evacuation alert remains in effect for the community of Marten Beach. For more information visit, Alberta Emergency Alert or the MD of Lesser Slave River website.

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 16,852 hectares in size.

Firefighters continue to patrol and extinguish hot spots. 

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. 

For further information on either wildfire, contact Sharma Chavez at 505-331-7421 or [email protected] 

More information

The evacuation alert has been lifted for the Town of Swan Hills. For more information, visit Alberta Emergency Alert or the Town of Swan Hill’s website.

Fire ban lifted

As of 2:00 pm June 16, the fire ban has been lifted for the Slave Lake Forest Area. 

Firefighters sincerely thank you for your cooperation and patience while the fire ban was in effect. Valid fire permits are now reinstated and new fire permits will be issued.

Fire Permits

From now until October 31, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits are free and are now available online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca for information on how to make a request online.

Fire permits are also still available, by request, from your local Forestry Office.

Wabasca 780-891-3860

Slave Lake 780-849-7377

High Prairie 780-523-6619

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]