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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - June 27, 2025

High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger is high across the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Warm and dry conditions are expected over the weekend and there is a high chance of thunderstorms with lightning.

While some areas may receive rain, amounts will vary. The wildfire danger will continue to be elevated, as just a few hours of warm weather can quickly dry up the moisture.

Firefighters are urging everyone to do their part to prevent wildfires this long weekend. Please be cautious with campfires, off-highway vehicles and any activity that could spark a fire.

With current and expected lightning, fire lookout observers are watching for smoke and firefighters supported by helicopters and airtankers are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.

SWF122 located approximately 1.5 km west of Bigstone Cree Nation on the north end of North Wabasca Lake is 2 hectares in size and is classified as under control. Today, firefighters will helicopters are working on extinguishing this wildfire.

Currently there are 15 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area.

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

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 124 wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 387, 660 hectares (ha).

Red Earth East Complex  

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

View the latest map of the Red Earth East complex.

Yesterday, thunderstorms passed through the Red Earth East Complex, bringing light and scattered rain. Although lightning was observed, no new wildfires were reported. Firefighters, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment, continue working to extinguish existing hot spots on wildfires within the complex and remain ready to respond to any new fire starts.

Infrared scans are being conducted on the wildfires to detect hot spots—areas where fire is still burning beneath the surface. Identifying these hot spots helps guide and prioritize firefighting efforts, ensuring that firefighters, helicopters, and heavy equipment are directed to where they are needed most. 

SWF085 which impacted the community of Chipewyan Lake, is 138,058 ha in size and is classified as out of control. Recent rain and cooler conditions have reduced fire activity. Firefighters continue to monitor the wildfire from a helicopter. 

SWF089 is located approximately 5.5 km east of Peerless Lakes. It is 12,968 ha in size and is classified as out of control. Last night, an infrared drone scan was conducted to assess the southern side of the wildfire. Firefighters supported by helicopters equipped with water buckets are working on the southwest side of the wildfire. Ground access in the area is being improved to support firefighting operations.

Firefighter extinguishing ground fire Firefighter extinguishing hot spot on northwest side of SWF092. June 26, 2025

SWF092, located approximately 7 km southeast of Red Earth Creek and 8.5 km west of Trout Lake, is 78,194 ha in size and is classified as out of control. Firefighters are working on the eastern side of the wildfire to extinguish hot spots identified through the infrared scan. Firefighters and heavy equipment also continue operations along the northwest containment lines closest to Red Earth Creek and Loon Lake.

SWF095, located approximately 5 km from Peerless Lake and 7 km from Trout Lake, is 1,331 ha in size and is classified as out of control. Recent rainfall helped limit fire activity, and the wildfire remains within containment lines reinforced by nearby lakes. Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) crews continue to test pumps and sprinkler setups daily in the communities of Peerless Lake and Trout Lake. Very minimal smoke or fire activity has been reported over the past several days by firefighters.

SWF100, located approximately 5 km west of Peerless Lake, is 17,308 ha in size and is classified as out of control. Firefighters have made good progress with support from helicopters bucketing at limiting any further spread from a recent excursion along highway 686. Heavy equipment has completed containment line on the west side of the wildfire. Firefighters are extinguish hot spots along the containment line supported by helicopters bucketing as needed. 

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the following communities:

For information about the wildfires in the Red Earth East Wildfire Complex, please email [email protected]

Blue Sky and Edith Lake wildfires (SWF088 and SWF076)

The Blue Sky Wildfire (SWF088) located 22 km north of Marten Beach is 13,684 hectares in size and is classified as being held. Firefighters, supported by heavy equipment and helicopters, continue to extinguish hot spots identified by the infrared scan. 

View the latest map of the Blue Sky wildfire. 

The Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076) located approximately 8 km north of Swan Hills is 16,852 hectares in size and is classified as under control. Firefighters continue to patrol for hot spots with the interior of the wildfire and heavy equipment continues to reclaim containment lines.

View the latest map of the Edith Lake wildfire.

For more information these wildfires, contact Leah Lovequist at 780-849-0945 or [email protected]

Fire permits are required

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 forest area office.

  • Wabasca 780-891-3860
  • Slave Lake 780-849-7377
  • High Prairie 780-523-6619

Celebrating with fireworks this long weekend

The use of fireworks within the Forest Protection Area (FPA) is prohibited without written permission from a Forest Officer. Written permission is required year-round. To obtain written permission to shoot, discharge, detonate or ignite fireworks within the FPA call your local forest area office.

Choose a safe campfire site

When visiting campgrounds or recreational areas, use the designated stoves, fire rings or fire pits. These are designed to keep fires from spreading and are the best choice for a safe campfire. When outside of a campground, use sites that are clear of dry grass and vegetation. Clear the site down to bare mineral soil, place rocks in a ring, keep it sheltered from wind and always have water nearby to extinguish your campfire. 

Never leave a campfire unattended. When you're done, always soak it, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.  

When riding your off-highway vehicle

Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) have exhaust systems that get hotter than 200°C. At these temperatures, built-up materials (such as grass, muskeg, moss or other debris) can heat up, smoulder and ignite. These can fall to the ground as you are riding, starting a wildfire. 

To help prevent wildfires when riding your OHV, stop frequently to remove any build- up of debris on your machine's muffler and always carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher. 

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]

Published on June 27, 2025 2:57 pm