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Extreme wildfire danger
The wildfire danger is extreme in the Slave Lake Forest Area due to hot, dry and windy conditions.
A wildfire will ignite very easily in these conditions and can quickly grow out of control. Avoid all outdoor activities that have the potential to spark a fire.
Wildfire situation
Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076)
The Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076) was detected on the afternoon of May 25 and is located approximately 8 km north of Swan Hills. The wildfire remains classified as out of control and is estimated at 3,629 hectares in size.
Weather conditions today are expected to increase fire activity. Temperatures are forecasted to reach 28°C, with southeast winds at 20 km/h, gusting to 40 km/h.
Firefighters, supported by helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment, continue to respond. Night vision-equipped helicopters and heavy equipment worked overnight to strengthen containment lines and support ongoing suppression efforts.
On May 27, the wildfire crossed Highway 33, which remains closed at this time. Today, crews are focusing on containing the southeast side of the wildfire in the area where it crossed the highway. For the most up-to-date information on road closures, visit 511 Alberta.
An evacuation order remains in effect for the Town of Swan Hills. For details and updates, visit Albert Emergency Alert.
Cooler temperatures helped reduce fire behaviour overnight on the Edith Lake Wildfire. Photo taken May 28, 2025, at 9 a.m.
For more information regarding the Edith Lake Wildfire, contact:
Colby Lachance
Wildfire Information Officer
780-286-4332
New wildfires
Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers continue to respond to multiple wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. At this time, these wildfires do not pose a risk to communities.
For today, winds will be from the south gusting up to 40 kilometres per hour. Firefighting will focus on slowing the spread on the northern sides of the wildfires.
All wildfire east of highway 88 are being consolidated into a wildfire complex. An Incident Command Team is en route to coordinate the response efforts.
To see wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status app or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.
Since January 1, 2025, there have been 92 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 6,057.49 hectares.
Firefighters arrived from Grande Prairie to help fight the wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area.
Smoky conditions
Due to the wildfire activity in the Slave Lake Forest Area, smoky conditions will be present. Visit www.firesmoke.ca to see where the smoke is coming from. Anyone with health concerns should visit Alberta Health Services or call 811 for health advice from Alberta Health Link.
Fire restriction
A fire restriction is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area. Under this restriction, all outdoor wood fires are banned on public lands and existing fire permits are suspended.
Prohibited
- Outdoor wood fires on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas.
- Any burning, other than a campfire, on private land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed
- Safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with designated fire ring
- Backyard firepits
- Propane fire pits and natural gas-powered appliances
- Barbecue charcoal briquettes
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
Municipalities, cities, towns, villages and summer villages have the authority to put their own fire bans and restrictions in place. To view an up-to-date map of fire bans, restrictions, and advisories across Alberta, visit Alberta Fire Bans
Contact info
Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]
Published on May 28, 2025 10:52 am