Wildfires of note - May 31, 2025

There are 7 wildfires of note in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. All 7 are listed as out of control at this time.

Swan Complex (SWF076, WWF023)

The Edith Lake wildfire (SWF076 – 17,573 hectares (ha)) and Hubert Lake wildfire (WWF023 – 2,924 ha) were merged into the Swan Complex on Friday May 30, 2025.

The The Edith Lake wildfire is located 8 km north of Swan Hills. It is burning on both sides of Highway 33 - that . Highway 33 remains closed. Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment operators continue to focus on reducing the spread of the wildfire towards the highway and Swan Hills. 

WWF023 continues to burn towards the Pembina River. Westlock has deployed structure protection equipment to nearby residences on the west side of the Pembina. Firefighters, heavy equipment, and aircraft are working the wildfire.

Both Swan Hills and Hubert Lake Wildfire Provincial Park area, on both sides of the Pembina River are under evacuation order. 

Red Earth Complex (SCX001)

A number of wildfires across the northeastern portion of the Slave Lake Forest Area have been consolidated into a single wildfire complex. Total size of the area affected is roughly 61,000 ha.

Communities affected by the fires in the complex include Trout, Peerless, Red Earth Creek, Loon Lake, and Chipewyan Lake.

Smoke is making helicopter operations challenging. NVIS helicopters were able to work last night. Firefighters, airtankers, helicopters, and Wildland Urban Interface assets are assigned to the complex. 

The wildfire has crossed the Chip/Alpac road. The communities of Chipewyan Lake Loon Lake First Nation, and Red Earth Creek have been evacuated.

January Creek (EWF036)

The wildfire is currently 1,400 ha.

Night vision helicopters NVIS helicopters worked to secure the east flank last evening and crews worked on structure protection with Yellowhead County between Range roads 135 and 134. No other structures at risk.

Sprinkler and high-volume water systems are set up and functioning. Firefighters, heavy equipment, and helicopters are continuing to make progress on containment lines.

Dozer groups completed a fireguard on the north, east, and south sides of the wildfire protecting Peers and Highway 32. 

The Hamlet of Peers has been evacuated.

Caribou Lake (LWF090)

The wildfire is 71,987 ha.

Dangerous conditions delayed efforts to establish structure protection measures at Winefred Lake yesterday - that work is ongoing today. 

Two Oil and gas facilities (MEG energy, Pike Lodge) and two fishing lodges (Winefred Lake, Winefred Outfitters) have been evacuated.

Firefighters, airtankers, heavy equipment, and helicopters are working the wildfire.

Conklin has been placed under a wildfire alert.

Whitefish (SWF078, SWF088)

The Whitefish wildfire is 10,611 ha and remains two separate wildfires.

Fire saw increased activity yesterday afternoon and evening - night vision helicopters, crews, and heavy equipment worked last night and helicopter bucketing has commenced this morning.

Structure protection has been ordered for Whitefish First Nation. The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council has issued a 2-hour evacuation notice to the Whitefish River Community, Utikoomak Lake IR #155A, and Whitefish Lake First Nation #459

At this time there is no threat to the community. This wildfire is about 5 km west of Highway 88. 

Sousa Creek Wildfire (HWF036) 

The Sousa Creek wildfire east of Rainbow Lake is 25,086 ha.

Increased fire behavior in the NE with significant growth yesterday. Dozers worked on containment line north of Hwy 58 for Chateh.

Airtankers flew numerous missions over the wildfire this morning and heavy equipment operators are constructing dozer guard focusing efforts on the northern perimeter.

Hay River 209 Indian Reserve and Chateh have been evacuated. Chateh has Structure Protection Unit trailer. Working on structure protection on some homes in Chateh.

Fire has crossed Highway 58, causing its closure.

Tulip Lake Wildfire MWF026 

The Tulip Lake wildfire is located roughly 30 km south and east of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories (NWT). The wildfire originated in Alberta but has crossed the border into the NWT. It is 4,500 ha.

Helicopters worked into the evening on bucketing operations. A meeting was held at 1400 with Smith Landing and the NWT government. A Unified Command Team structure is being adopted to fight the wildfire.

Contact info

Provincial Information Officer
780-420-1968
[email protected]