Slave Lake Forest Area - May 31, 2025 - 8:43 pm

Wildfire situation

Today's cooler weather has supported firefighting efforts, resulting in minimal wildfire growth. The forecast for the coming days remains favorable, with conditions expected to aid ongoing containment and suppression operations.

There were no new wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area today.

Since January 1, 2025, there have been 106 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, resulting in a total burned area of 272,454.02 hectares.

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

Smoky conditions

Smoky conditions may 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 Chipewyan Lake

Visibility improved in the Chipewyan Lakes area today, allowing firefighters in a helicopter to access the wildfires. SWF085 has combined with other wildfires in the area and the total size is now 132,167 hectares and it is classified as burning out of control. A Wildland Urban Interface crew will be deployed to the community tomorrow.

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. 

Wildfire near Red Earth Creek and Loon River First Nation

Wildfire SWF092 remains 8 kilometres southeast of Red Earth Creek and is approximately 18 kilometres west of Trout Lake. The wildfire is classified as out of control and is 39,744 hectares in size. The Incident Management Team of the Red Earth East Complex is in place and is coordinating firefighting operations. Today, heavy equipment worked on a plan and tomorrow will be building containment lines. 

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

Wildfire near Peerless Lake

Wildfire SWF095 is located east of the Peerless Lake community.  Containment lines are established on north and south end of the wildfire, and firefighters will continue to strengthen these lines to limit further spread. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 697 hectares in size.

An evacuation order remains in effect for the communities of Peerless Lake and Trout Lake. Residents are advised to monitor the Alberta Emergency Alert website for detailed information and updates. 

Wildfire near Whitefish River Utikoomak Lake 155A

Wildfire SWF078 is located north of Utikoomak Lake 155A. Firefighters supported by helicopters and heavy equipment continue to make good progress fighting the wildfire. The wildfire classified as burning out of control but remains 163 hectares in size.

A 2 hour evacuation alert remains in effect 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 Highway 88

SWF088 remains located approximately 24 kilometers north of Marten Beach. Light rain has fallen on the wildfire today, with more expected tonight. Minimal growth was observed, and good progress is being made. Heavy equipment continues to build containment lines supported by helicopters bucketing on the south and east sides of the wildfire. The wildfire is classified as burning out of control and is 10,448 hectares in size.

There is a 4 hour evacuation notice in effect for the community of Marten Beach. Residents are advised to monitor the Alberta Emergency Alert website for detailed information and updates. 

Road Closures

Multiple highways in the Slave Lake Forest Area remain closed. For the most up-to-date information on road closures, visit 511 Alberta.

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. The wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is approximately 17,573 hectares in size.

Today, firefighters, helicopters and heavy equipment focused on reinforcing containment lines along the south side of the wildfire and targeting hot spots. Cooler temperatures provided favourable conditions for wildfire suppression efforts.

Tonight, heavy equipment will continue strengthening containment lines along the southeast perimeter of the wildfire. Once this section is complete, work will shift to the northwest side. The east side is partially contained by an area that burned in 2023, which has less available fuel. Containment lines are designed to prevent wildfire spread; however, under windy conditions, the fire can spot across these lines.

Although are currently favourable, the wildfire is still active and the situation remains dynamic. Crews continue working in priority areas to prevent further spread.

Reminder: The operation of any aircraft, including drones, near a wildfire is illegal and poses a serious safety risk to firefighting personnel. Unauthorized flights can interfere with aerial suppression efforts and delay critical work.

Swan Hills Evacuation

While the wildfire has grown in size, its closest point to the community of Swan Hills has not changed at this time. Conditions on the wildfire are actively changing and the evacuation order remains in place. For the latest information, visit Alberta Emergency Alert.

High-volume water and sprinkler systems have been successfully installed in the community of Swan Hills. Sourced from nearby water supplies, these systems help protect homes and infrastructure by keeping surrounding areas wet and reducing the risk of fire spread.

Road closure

Highway 33 remains closed southbound from the highway 2 junction near Kinuso to highway 32, for the most up-to-date information visit 511 Alberta.

Alberta Parks Closure

Due to proximity to the wildfire, Edith Lake Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) and Chrystina Lake PRA are closed. For more information on this closure, see Alberta Parks closures. 

More information

The Edith Lake Wildfire is part of the Swan Complex (SCX002), which also includes the Hubert Lake Wildfire (WWF023). The Hubert Lake Wildfire is in the Whitecourt Lake Forest area. For more information, see the Whitecourt Forest Area Wildfire Update. For more information regarding the Swan Complex, contact Colby Lachance at (780) 286-4332 or [email protected].

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]