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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - October 09, 2025

Moderate wildfire danger

The wildfire danger for the Slave Lake Forest Area is moderate to high. Wildfires can start and spread in cooler conditions but are less likely to become severe if detected quickly. 

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 209 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, burning a total of 379,245 hectares. 

There are 8 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area, with one out of control, 3 being held and 4 under control. 

See the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard for up-to-date information on wildfire locations, status, size, statistics and more.

Red Earth East Complex 

The Red Earth East Complex includes 6 active wildfires that are located east of Highway 88. 

  • Out of control: SWF092
  • Being held: SWF085, SWF089, SWF094 and SWF100
  • Under control: SWF095

At times, smoke from the southeast perimeter of wildfire SWF092 may be visible to nearby communities. Crews are reinforcing containment on the south side of the wildfire, and helicopters are assisting with water buckets. Good progress was made in the past few days due to favorable weather conditions. These wildfires are large and will take time to fully extinguish. There is no risk to any nearby communities.

Fire advisory

A fire advisory is now in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area. 
 
Under this advisory: 
  • Existing fire permits are valid, but extension requests may not be granted. 
  • New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis, for essential burning only. 
  • Safe campfires are allowed

Please visit Alberta Fire Bans to view map.

Fire Permits required

From now until October 31, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

Fire permits are free and can be requested online. Visit firepermits.alberta.ca to request your fire permit online. You may also request your fire permit by calling your local Forestry Office at  780-849-7377.

Prevent wildfires 

With 56% of wildfires in Alberta caused by people, prevention is important—especially during the dry fall season. Do your part to prevent wildfires by following simple safety steps whether you’re farming, camping, or riding off-highway vehicles.

Hunting season

Hunting season is now underway. Remember, under a fire restriction, campfires are not allowed in random backcountry camping areas. If you are in an area permitted to have a campfire (such as on private land), ensure you are doing so safely:

  • Build campfires in safe areas, clear of grass, twigs and leaves.
  • Keep fires small and never leave them unattended.
  • Extinguish your campfire before going to bed or leaving the site. Soak it, stir it and soak it again.
  • A fire is out only when no heat remains in the ashes.

Riding off-highway vehicles

  • Stop frequently to clear debris like grass, moss, or muskeg from your machine.
  • Carry essential firefighting tools: shovel, fire extinguisher, and bucket.
  • Avoid riding through dry vegetation where heat or sparks could ignite a fire.

Farming

  • Regularly inspect machinery and clear away debris, especially around hot spots.
  • Keep equipment well-maintained to reduce the risk of sparks.
  • Always carry firefighting tools on your equipment, including a shovel, fire extinguisher, and bucket.

FireSmart 

Even the small steps can make a big difference. Keep your grass well-maintained to 10 cm or less. Dry grass can be hazardous not just in the spring, but in late fall and winter as well. Under the right weather conditions, with high winds and no snow cover, grass fires any time of year can spread quickly and threaten farms, ranches and acreages. To start your FireSmart journey visit FireSmart Alberta. 

Contact info

Leah Lovequist
780-849-0945
[email protected]

Published on October 9, 2025 10:22 am