Wildfires of note - June 09, 2025

There are 7 wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Most of these wildfires are currently classified as out of control.

Red Earth East Complex

The Red Earth East complex is made up of numerous wildfires centered in the northeastern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area. Some of the wildfires in the complex include:

SWF100 and SWF092 continue to be the most active wildfires in this complex. 

• SWF092 near Red Earth Creek and Loon Lake First Nation is classified as out of control and currently 68,565 ha;
• SWF100 on the west side of Peerless Lake, along Highway 686 is classified as out of control and is currently 12,661 ha.

Red Earth East Complex - Evacuation orders, The following communities remain under and evacuation order:

• Chipewyan Lake;
• Peerless Lake;
• Trout Lake;
• Red Earth Creek; and
• Loon River First Nation.

Windy conditions expected today which could translate into Increased wildfire activity on the complex as temperatures continue to warm up. Heavy equipment, helicopters, airtankers, and firefighters worked to limit the spread of wildfire yesterday. 

Firefighters will continue working on reinforcing containment lines on this complex today. 

Tulip Lake (MWF026)

This wildfire is currently classified as out of control and is estimated at approximately 14,152 ha. It is burning 15 km northeast of Fort Fitzgerald and 28 km east of Fort Smith.

Recent rain and cooler temperatures helped to lower fire behaviour today. This has allowed crews to make progress on containment lines. Crews, heavy equipment, helicopters, and airtankers are continuing suppression efforts and reinforcement of containment lines. 

Kiskatinaw River Wildfire - near Kelly Lake, B.C. (GBZ001)

The wildfire has crossed into Alberta. This wildfire is currently estimated to be 13,500 ha in size.  

Yesterday evening, the southeast section of the fire grew significantly towards the east. Today will be another challenging day as winds remain elevated and conditions remain very dry. Significant growth is anticipated again today.

Crews and structure protection personnel remained in Kelly Lake overnight to defend homes and critical infrastructure. Fire behaviour was elevated through the night, driven by strong winds and low humidity. Today, structure protection and defense will continue in Kelly Lake and in the County of Grande Prairie. 

Slims Creek (PWF050) 

TPWF050 is 30km north of the town of Manning and trending to the southeast. Work continues to contain the wildfire with heavy equipment, helicopters and crews. Highway 35 is now open between Hawk Hills and Keg River, but smoke conditions in the surrounding area can decrease visibility and impact air quality. For updates on road conditions visit Alberta 511.

Sousa Creek (HWF036)

HWF036 is approximately 5 km south of the community of Chateh, 72 km west of the Town of High Level, and 27 km east of the Town of Rainbow Lake. This wildfire is estimated at 41,242 ha in size. 

Today, a high of 24C and relative humidity of 30% is expected. Winds from the southeast are expected to shift, coming from the southwest 15-20 gusting to 35 km/h later this afternoon. Smoke will be seen again today on HWF036.

Firefighters, supported by helicopters and heavy equipment, continue to work along the north and northeastern perimeter, near Sousa Creek. Heavy equipment was able to access the northeast side of the wildfire, they were met with challenges due to wet soft soil. Heavy equipment continues to build containment lines along the northwestern perimeter, south of Highway 58.

Airtankers supported firefighters yesterday on the northwest side of the wildfire. Firefighters will assess the conditions and request airtanker assistance if required. 

Caribou Lake (LWF090)

Caribou Lake Wildfire (LWF090) is currently burning out of control and is an estimated 66,845 ha in size.

Alberta Wildfire had crews working overnight on the northwest side of the wildfire. Today, crews will continue to focus on the north and south sides of the wildfire, which are the closest to infrastructure.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has put an evacuation alert in place for the hamlet of Conklin. 

Blue Sky (SWF088) 

This wildfire remains classified as out of control at an estimated 14,152 ha. It is located approximately 25 km north of Marten Beach and 3.5 km southeast of Utikuma.

The fire has shown decreased activity over the weekend due to significant rain in the area, cooler temperatures, and lighter winds.  This has allowed crews to gain access to gather more detailed information on the fire and update mapping to get a more accurate size of the fire.  Light winds are expected to continue today from the south and switch to southeast winds this evening.

There has been minimal fire growth as crews aim to take advantage of these favorable conditions today with air and ground support to further extend and secure containment lines continue on the west and north sides of the fire.  Suppression operations will include airtankers, helicopters conducting water drops, ignition operations, and ground crews to prevent the growth of the fire towards the communities.