Slave Lake Forest Area - May 29, 2025 - 11:51 am

Wildfire situation

Firefighters, supported by helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment, continue their response to multiple wildfires burning in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Efforts to contain these wildfires are being significantly hampered by strong and persistent winds, which are increasing fire behavior and causing the wildfires to spread rapidly.

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 98 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 21, 904 hectares.

To see wildfires on a map, download the AB Wildfire Status app or visit the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

At this time, due to wildfire activity highway 88 is closed from highway 750 to 754. For the most up-to-date information on road closures, visit 511 Alberta.

Smoky conditions

Smoky conditions will persist due to the ongoing wildfire activity in the Slave Lake Forest Area. 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.

Wildfire near Red Earth Creek and Loon River First Nation

Wildfire SWF092 currently remains 10 kilometres southeast of Red Earth Creek. Airtankers and heavy equipment are working on it. The wildfire is 2, 611 hectares. 

Due to strong winds, the wildfire rapidly advanced northward late in the evening yesterday. As a result, evacuation orders were issued for both Red Earth Creek and Loon River First Nation.  Due to the potential threat to Highway 686, evacuation orders have also been issued for Peerless Lake and Trout Lake.

Residents are advised to monitor the Alberta Emergency Alert website for detailed information and updates. 

Wildfires near Chipewyan Lake

As of May 28, 2025, two wildfires near Chipewyan Lake are burning out of control. Wildfire SWF085, located approximately 15 kilometres southwest of the community, has grown to 4,650 hectares and was spreading in a north/northwest direction. 

Although there is currently no direct threat to the community of Chipewyan Lake, smoky conditions are expected in the area. 

Wildfire SWF081, situated about 8 kilometres northwest of the community, is also burning out of control and has reached 685 hectares, with movement in the same general direction. Due to heavy smoke and a potential threat to the Chip/Alpac Road, an evacuation order has been issued for the community of Chipewyan Lake. 

Residents are advised to monitor the Alberta Emergency Alert website for detailed information and updates. 

For more information regarding these 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 kilometres north of Swan Hills. The wildfire remains classified as out of control and is now estimated to be 7,157 hectares in size.

Following a busy day yesterday, the wildfire remained quiet overnight due to cool and calm weather conditions. This allowed crews, supported by heavy equipment, to make progress on containment lines. That work will continue today, with helicopters conducting strategic bucketing operations and airtankers providing support when available.

Conditions are expected to be challenging today due to shifting winds and gusts exceeding 60 km/h, which will create extreme wildfire behaviour and make firefighting operations difficult.

Due to the continued extreme fire behaviour, highway 33 remains closed at this time. For the most up-to-date information on road closures, visit 511 Alberta.

The evacuation order remains in effect for the Town of Swan Hills. For details and updates, visit Albert Emergency Alert.

For your safety, stay out of the area, both the evacuation and road closure are in place to protect the public.

Smoke columns are expected to be visible throughout the region as hot and dry conditions persist. To see forecasted smoke, please visit FireSmoke.ca. If you have smoke related health concerns, please visit or contact Alberta 811.

For more information regarding the Edith Lake Wildfire, contact: 

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