A large smoke column rises from the Kiskatinaw River wildfire (GBZ001) in the County of Grande Prairie, creating reduced visibility in the area. Photo taken on June 5. (Alberta Wildfire)

By Government of Alberta

June 6, 4pm

Update 2: Alberta wildfire update

Jun 6, 2025 | 4:40 PM

Progress is being made on wildfires thanks to Alberta teams and crews from Canada and the U.S.; however, several out-of-control wildfires continue to burn.

While some communities are allowing residents to return, evacuation orders remain in many other places. Warm, dry and windy conditions across many parts of the province continue to elevate the fire danger and are driving active fire behaviour.

Current situation (as of 4pm, June 6)

• There are 57 wildfires currently burning across Alberta in the Forest Protection Area, and three mutual aid fires.
  • 22 are classified as out of control, 10 are being held and 25 are under control.
  • The two wildfires that make up the Swan Complex, the Hubert Lake Fire and Edith Lake Wildfire near Swan Hills, are now being held.
• Since January 1, there have been 522 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, burning more than 542,000 hectares.
• More than 1,000 Alberta firefighters, contract firefighters and imported firefighters are currently battling wildfires across the province.
• Resources currently being used include heavy equipment, airtankers, helicopters and night vision helicopters.
• Alberta has imported firefighters and aircraft from British Columbia, Yukon, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Washington State, Oregon and Idaho.
• Information about wildfires can be found by visiting the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

Orders and alerts

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• Updates on evacuation orders are available on www.alberta.ca/emergency.
• On June 5, the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 issued an evacuation order for everyone located north of Township Road 710 to Township Road 740, and east of the border with British Columbia to Range Road 130.
  • Registration centre at Hythe Community Library, 10013 100 Street, Hythe.
• On June 5, the Town of Swan Hills lifted its evacuation order and allowed residents to return home. Residents must remain prepared to evacuate again if the situation changes.
• On June 5, Westlock County lifted its evacuation order for the Hubert Lake Wildland Provincial Park area and allowed residents to return home.
• On June 4, Lac La Biche County issued an evacuation order for the area of southern Winefred Lake and Grist Lake in Lac La Biche County.
• The Dene Tha’ First Nation’s evacuation order for the community of Chateh remains in effect.
  • Registration centre at the Bushe River Administrative Office in High Level.
• The Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council’s evacuation orders for Loon Lake 235, Peerless Lake and Trout Lake remain in effect.
  • Registration centre at 10451 170 Street, Edmonton.
• The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Red Earth Creek remains in effect.
  • Reception centre at the Baytex Energy Centre, 9810 73 Avenue, Peace River.
• The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17’s evacuation order for Chipewyan Lake also remains in effect.
  • Reception centre at Lakeview Sports Centre, 102 Opportunity Drive, Wabasca-Desmarais.
• Evacuation alerts are currently in effect for:
  • Conklin area – Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
  • Hamlet of Marten Beach – Municipal District of Slave River
  • Hamlet of Peers and area – Yellowhead County
  • Hawk Hills area – County of Northern Lights
  • Township Road 710 to 700 east of the British Columbia border to Range Road 130, and north along the provincial border with British Columbia to Township Road 750 until Highway 43 – County of Grande Prairie No. 1
  • Town of Swan Hills
• Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued by local authorities and are updated at their discretion. For the best source of information on the status of evacuation orders and alerts, residents are encouraged to follow their local authorities’ preferred communication channels for updates.
• People living in Alberta are encouraged to download the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, which immediately pushes all alerts out to subscribers.

Eligibility for Emergency Evacuation Payments

• Alberta’s government provides a one-time emergency evacuation payment to residents who had to leave their communities for seven or more days due to mandatory evacuation orders.
• Eligible adults receive $1,250 and $500 for each dependent child under the age of 18.
• Evacuees are encouraged to apply for these emergency payments online at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca, by calling the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or by visiting an Alberta Supports office for assistance. Locations can be found at alberta.ca/alberta-supports.
• Those in need of immediate emergency financial assistance can contact the Income Support Emergency Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135. The contact centre operates 24/7.
• The Edmonton Northgate, High Level and Peace River Alberta Supports Centres are offering extended hours of 8:15 a.m.-7 p.m. from June 5-6, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 7. Edmonton Northgate will also be open on June 8 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
• The Westlock and Slave Lake Alberta Supports Centres are offering extended hours of 8:15 a.m.-7 p.m. from June 5-6.

Air quality

• Visit Wildfire Smoke Information for air quality monitoring information to make informed decisions about outdoor activities to protect your health. While wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in parts of Alberta, the presence of smoke does not necessarily mean there is fire near your community. Find information about the status of active wildfires and wildfire updates at Alberta Wildfire.

Fire bans

• A fire ban is in effect for the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.
• Under this ban, all outdoor wood fires are prohibited, and existing fire permits are suspended.
• Please confirm advisories, restrictions or bans for your area at alberta.ca/fire-bans.
• Fire bans outside the Forest Protection Area are the responsibility of municipalities and counties.
• Everyone has a role to play in wildfire prevention. Follow all fire bans and restrictions to avoid new fire starts. If you see smoke or flames in the forest, call 310-FIRE to report it.
• Applying FireSmart principles to homes and property can mitigate the risk of wildfire damage. Removing flammable materials and vegetation around the property and preventing embers from accumulating can help protect your home from wildfires. To learn more, visit FireSmart Alberta.

Roads and highways

• Highway 35 between the junctions with Highway 692 and Highway 695, north of Manning, is currently closed in both directions due to wildfire. Use Highway 88 as alternate route.
• Highway 686 between Red Earth Creek and Trout Lake is currently closed due to a wildfire.
• Highway 671/Kelly Lake Road at the Alberta/B.C. border to Range Road 130, southwest of Hythe, is closed due to a wildfire in BC.
• 511 Alberta is the best source of real time information as conditions change on our highways. Follow on X (formerly known as Twitter) @511alberta.
• Alberta highways that are affected by the wildfires will open and close frequently depending on safety and weather conditions. Be patient and respect the staff at the closure/detour sites – they are there with your safety in mind.

Health

• The Swan Hills Emergency Department is now open. The Swan Hills Healthcare Centre continues to work towards a full reopening.
• For information about wildfire resources, including mental health, visit Wildfire Resources | Alberta Health Services

Education

• Seven schools are currently closed in response to community evacuations:
  • Dene Tha’ Community School, in Chateh
  • Kateri School, in Trout Lake
  • Elizabeth Quintal Schools, in Peerless Lake
  • Clarence Jaycox School, in Loon Lake
  • Red Earth Creek School, in Red Earth Creek
  • Chipewyan Lake School, in Chipewyan Lake
  • Swan Hills School, in Swan Hills
• Parents and guardians should reach out to local school authorities for the most current information on impacts to schooling.
• All impacted school authorities had plans in place to ensure displaced students have access to educational programming.

Childcare:

• One childcare centre is currently closed in response to community evacuations:
  • Opportunity Childcare, in Red Earth Creek
• Licensed childcare programs are required to notify Child Care Connect if they close unexpectedly.
• Parents and guardians should reach out to their childcare provider for information on closures.

Justice

• The Chateh and Red Earth Creek courthouses are closed until further notice due to evacuations. Visit the Alberta Courts website for the most current information regarding court scheduling.

Emergency Preparedness

• Get ready for emergencies and disasters by taking simple steps now. To be prepared, ensure you know what to do, where to go and have enough supplies for a week or more. Supplies include food, water, medications and important documents. Include supplies for pets as well.
• Read more about emergency preparedness.