Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.
Moderate wildfire danger
The wildfire danger across the Slave Lake Forest Area is now moderate. Wildfires can still start and spread in cooler conditions but are less likely to become severe if detected early. Use caution with any outdoor activity.
Wildfire situation
Since January 1, 2026, there have been 22 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
An additional 7 under control wildfires from 2025 are still active, including 5 in the Red Earth East Complex.
See the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard for up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, statistics and more.
Red Earth East Complex
The Red Earth East Complex includes 5 under control wildfires, located east of Highway 88.
Infrared scanning is being used to identify hot spots on these wildfires. Response plans are being developed, and firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft will be used to extinguish hot spots as required. At this time, there is no threat to nearby communities.
Lightning increases wildfire risk
The Slave Lake Forest Area has experienced recent widespread lightning activity, increasing the risk of holdover fires.
Lightning can cause wildfires, which can smoulder on the ground for a few days before becoming active and visible. This is called a holdover fire.
Alberta Wildfire tracks each lightning strike to identify heavily impacted areas and sends out firefighters to patrol these areas.
Fire lookout observers are watching for smoke. Firefighters, aircraft and heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires that may start.
Municipal wildfire reporting
Sharing timely information about active wildfires with Albertans is an important part of the Alberta government's approach to wildfire safety. That’s why we’ve enabled municipalities to report wildfires occurring within their borders to have them included on the Alberta Wildfire dashboard and Alberta Wildfire Status app. The blue flame icon indicates a municipal fire. Read the map legend to understand the different flame icons.
Alberta Wildfire is also introducing response type reporting to explain how a wildfire is being managed. Wildfires within Alberta Wildfire’s jurisdiction will be assigned one of three response types:
- Full response: Immediate and aggressive suppression action is taken.
- Modified response: Some suppression action is used to contain a wildfire within a pre-determined boundary.
- Monitored response: The wildfire is observed and assessed.
Click on one of the flame icons on the wildfire map to find the response type information.
Seeking your input
Forest area updates are an important way we share the latest information with Albertans.
We’ve developed a short survey to determine if the updates are meeting your needs.
Contact info
Dan Troke
780-843-5772
[email protected]
Published on May 21, 2026 10:20 am