Slave Lake Forest Area - May 29, 2025 - 8:17 pm

Wildfire situation

This evening, a cold front has moved through the area, bringing strong, gusty west winds. Thunderstorms with lightning are also passing through, and 7 new wildfires have been reported so far.

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 102 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 50,369.85 hectares.

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

Road Closures

At this time, due to wildfire activity a portion of highway 88 and all of highway 33 are closed. 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 Whitefish River Utikoomak Lake 155A

Wildfire SWF078 located north of Utikoomak Lake 155A is classified as burning out of control and is 163 hectares. Firefighters with helicopters and heavy equipment continue to fight this wildfire.

Today, a 2 hour evacuation alert was issued for the community of Whitefish River Utikoomak Lake 155A. Residents are advised to monitor the Alberta Emergency Alert website for detailed information and updates. 

Wildfire near Red Earth Creek and Loon River First Nation

Wildfire SWF092 is now 8 kilometres southeast of Red Earth Creek. With the south winds today the wildfire did experience growth to the north. Currently strong west winds have caused the wildfire to spread to the east. The last noted size was 2,611 hectares. Heavy equipment groups are building containment lines.

An evacuation order remains in effect for the communities of Red Earth Creek, Loon River First Nation, Peerless Lake and Trout Lake. Residents are advised to monitor the Alberta Emergency Alert website for detailed information and updates. 

Wildfires near Chipewyan Lake

Two wildfires near Chipewyan Lake are burning out of control. Wildfire SWF085, located approximately 15 kilometres southwest of the community, has grown to 20,000 hectares and was spreading in a north/northwest direction again today. 

Wildfire SWF081, situated about 8 kilometres northwest of the community, is also burning out of control and is 3,000 hectares, with movement in the same general direction. 

Although there is currently no direct threat to the community of Chipewyan Lake, smoky conditions are expected in the area and there is a potential threat to the Chip/Alpac Road.

An evacuation order remains in effect 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) is located approximately 8 kilometres north of Swan Hills. It is now estimated at 7,807 hectares and remains classified as out of control. We expect intense fire behaviour to continue due to ongoing hot, dry and windy weather.

While the wildfire has grown in size, its closest point to the community of Swan Hills has not changed. It remains an active and evolving situation, with extreme fire behaviour continuing to be observed.

Edith Lake Wildfire on May 29 at 4 pm, showing extreme fire behaviour on the east side of the wildfire.

Today’s firefighting efforts were challenged by these extreme conditions. While the anticipated wind shift was less severe than expected, the wildfire continued to expand to the north and east. Firefighters were supported by airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment as they worked to build containment lines and manage spot fires. Overnight, night vision helicopters, heavy equipment and ground crews will continue efforts to strengthen containment, focusing on the south and east sides of the fire.

Although the region saw some rain showers, the wildfire area itself received little to no measurable precipitation.

High-volume water and sprinkler protection systems have been successfully deployed and tested in the community of Swan Hills. Using nearby water sources, these systems assist in protecting the community by reducing the risk of fire spreading by keeping structures and surrounding areas wet, these systems help reduce the chance of fire spreading and protect residents and critical infrastructure.

Due to the proximity of this wildfire to the community of Swan Hills, the evacuation order remains in effect. It is critical that residents follow the evacuation order and stay out of the area. For information on the evacuation alert, visit Albert Emergency Alert.

Highway 33 remains closed, for the most up-to-date information visit 511 Alberta.

Smoke columns are visible throughout the region. With hot and dry conditions persisting, smoke will likely remain in the area. To view smoke forecasts, 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]

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]