Notifications

Government mail service may be affected by the Canada Post labour disruption. Learn about how critical government mail will be handled.

Wildfire update

Slave Lake Forest Area - September 24, 2025

Very High wildfire danger

The wildfire danger in the Slave Lake Forest Area is moderate to very high. Rain has brought some relief to the wildfire danger for areas around and south of Lesser Slave Lake.  Areas north of Lesser Slave Lake did not receive rain and the wildfire danger remains elevated. Under the dry and windy conditions, wildfires can start easily and spread rapidly. Be cautious when spending time outdoors and avoid activities that could potentially spark a wildfire. 

Wildfire situation

Since January 1, 2025 there have been 205 wildfires reported in the Slave Lake Forest Area, burning a total of 371, 839 hectares (ha). 

There are 9 active wildfires in the Slave Lake Forest Area, with 5 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. 

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

Map of the Red Earth East Complex

Due to hot and dry conditions yesterday, smoke from the southeast end of wildfire SWF092 was visible to nearby communities.  Airtankers and helicopters continue to work on this area where the wildfire spread. There is no risk to nearby communities.

Firefighters, supported by helicopters continue to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots on wildfires in the Red Earth East Complex. These wildfires are large and will take time to fully extinguish. 

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

Fire restriction

A fire restriction is in effect for the Slave Lake Forest Area, due to warm and dry conditions.

Under this restriction

  • No new fire permits will be issued.
  • All current fire permits issued are suspended until further notice. This includes burn barrels and incinerators.
  • All outdoor fires presently burning, whether set under the authority of a fire permit or not, are required to be extinguished.

Prohibited

  • Outdoor wood fires on public lands including backcountry and random camping areas
  • Any burning, other than a campfire on private land
  • Barbecue charcoal briquettes on public land in the backcountry and in random camping areas
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed

  • Safe wood campfires on private land including provincial campgrounds with a designated fire ring
  • Backyard firepits
  • Barbecue charcoal briquettes on private land and in provincial campgrounds
  • Propane fire pits and natural gas powered appliances
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices

To view a map of the fire restriction, visit 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.

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.

Camping

  • Use designated fire rings in campgrounds and backyards.
  • 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.

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.

Published on September 24, 2025 11:57 am