Slave Lake Forest Area - June 17, 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 hectares (ha).

To view wildfires on a map visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.  

There are currently 17 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. While recent rainfall has lessened the fire behaviour on all wildfires, the amount of rain varied throughout the area—some parts received substantial precipitation, while others saw very little.  As warmer temperatures return, areas with minimal rain are expected to quickly dry out. Firefighters are reporting deep burning ground fires, and significant work lies ahead to fully extinguish them.

Red Earth East Complex 

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

With recent rain the overall fire behavior across the Red Earth East Complex Wildfires has been reduced to smouldering ground fire (June 16, 2025 at 4 pm).

SWF089 is estimated to be 12,435 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 5.5 km east of Peerless Lake. Focus for the day continues to be building containment line around a section of the wildfire that progressed towards Peerless Lake during windy conditions last week. With recent cool temperatures, firefighters are making progress extinguishing hot spots around this section. 

SWF095 is estimated to be 1,271 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 2 km from Peerless Lake and 7 km from Trout Lake. Minimal fire behaviour was observed yesterday and the containment lines have been built around the wildfire.

SWF100 is estimated to be 16,840 ha. This wildfire is located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake. Firefighters supported by helicopters with buckets are working on the north side of the wildfire to tie containment lines to road systems.

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. Heavy equipment continues building containment lines on the north and west side of the wildfire.

Wildland urban interface (WUI) crews have installed sprinkler systems in the communities of Loon Lake, Red Earth Creek, Trout Lake and Peerless Lake. 

SWF085, which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, received a good amount of rain and fire behaviour is very minimal. Firefighters in a helicopter continue to monitor the wildfire.

Wildfires included in this complex that are not detailed above are not considered a threat to any communities.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following communities: 

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

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. 

Today, firefighters supported by helicopters are working to extinguish hot spots on the north and south sides of the wildfire.

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.

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.

Since yesterday, there has been no visible smoke on the wildfire. Today, heavy equipment began reclamation of containment lines on the far south side of the wildfire. Firefighters continue to patrol and extinguish any remaining 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. 

 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 firefighters working in the area. 

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.

For more information these wildfires, contact Sharma Chavez at 505-331-7421 or [email protected] 

Fire ban lifted

As of 2 pm on 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 are free and can be requested by calling your local Forestry office or by going online.

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 Get a fire permit 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]