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Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - September 02, 2025

Very High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is very high. Warm weather and gusty winds are expected over the next several days, creating conditions where wildfires can easily ignite and spread quickly.

Firefighters urge everyone to be cautious when working outdoors. Never leave a campfire unattended, and always ensure it is fully extinguished before you leave your site.

Smoky conditions

Smoky conditions are still present in the Slave Lake Forest Area as a cold front moving through the area has brought in smoke from wildfires in the Northwest Territories. To find the source of the smoke, visit FireSmoke Canada. If you have smoke related health concerns, call Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811 or visit Alberta Health Services.

Wildfire situation

There are 9 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area with 5 being held, and 4 under control. 

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 188 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, burning a total of 371,342 hectares (ha). 

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. 

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

Map of the Red Earth East Complex

An evacuation order remains in effect for Chipewyan Lake. The wildfire threat to the community and the Chip/Alpac road remains minimal.

Firefighters, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment, continue to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots. These wildfires are large and will take time to fully extinguish, and smoke may still be visible.

For more information about the wildfires in the Red Earth East Wildfire Complex, please email [email protected].

Fire advisory

A fire advisory is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area.

Under this advisory:

  • Existing fire permits are valid. Permit holders must follow all safe burning conditions outlined on the permit.
  • New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis for essential burning only.
  • Safe campfires are allowed.

Prohibited:

  • Any burning without a valid fire permit is prohibited, except for campfires.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Fire Bans.

Prevent wildfires 

With 55% 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.

The Slave Lake Forest Area saw two wildfires last week caused by farm equipment. Farmers are urged to take extra precautions and follow the safety measures below:

  • 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.

Over the long weekend, one abandoned campfire was found in the Slave Lake Forest Area. Campers are urged to fully extinguish their campfires before leaving their campsite and to follow the safety measures below:

  • Keep campfires small, controlled, and never leave them unattended.
  • Fully extinguish fires before leaving or going to bed: soak with water, stir the ashes, then soak again.
  • Make sure the fire is completely out—if the ashes are cool to the touch, it’s safe.

Off-Highway Vehicle Riders

  • 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.

Contact info

Dan Troke
7808435772
[email protected]

Published on September 2, 2025 12:54 pm