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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - May 28, 2025 - 2:28 pm

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

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.

Wildfires near Chipewyan Lake

SWF085 is located approximately 18 kilometres southwest of Chipewyan Lake and 6 kilometres west of the Chip Alpac Road. At this time, the wildfire is growing in a north/northwest direction. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is estimated to be 2,900 hectares. At this time there is no threat to the community however smoky conditions are expected.

SWF081 is located approximately 9 kilometres northwest of Chipewyan Lake is spreading in a north/northwest direction. It is classified as burning out of control and is 65 hectares. At this time there is no threat to the community.

A one-hour evacuation notice has now been issued for community of Chipewyan Lake. Visit the MD of Opportunity No. 17 Emergency Management facebook page for updates.

For more information regarding the Chipewyan Lake wildfires, contact: 

Leah Lovequist
Wildfire Information Officer 
780-849-0945

[email protected]

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.

For more information regarding the Edith Lake Wildfire, contact: 

Colby Lachance
Wildfire Information Officer 
780-286-4332
[email protected]

New wildfires

Firefighters in helicopters and airtankers continue to respond to multiple wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area. At this time, strong winds from the south are causing a number of wildfires to spread in a northerly direction.  Firefighters, helicopters and airtankers are fighting these wildfires.

All wildfires east of highway 88 are being consolidated into a wildfire complex. An Incident Command Team is enroute 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 93 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 8,380.19 hectares. 
 

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 2:29 pm