The Edith Lake wildfire near Swan Hills, Alberta, has grown to 3,629 hectares, forcing 1,300 residents to evacuate and breaching Highway 33. Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds are fueling the blaze, with a red flag watch in effect. Firefighters are focusing on the southeast flank, while meteorologists warn of continued heat, potential thunderstorms, and new lightning-caused fires, indicating a challenging summer for wildfires across Western Canada.
Dangerous fire conditions expected as fight to save Swan Hills continues
Alberta Wildfires 2025AlbertaSwan HillsFiresWildfiresEnvironmentHeat waves
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Edith Lake wildfire near Swan Hills, Alberta, has grown to 3,629 hectares, forcing 1,300 residents to evacuate and breaching Highway 33. Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds are fueling the blaze, with a red flag watch in effect. Firefighters are focusing on the southeast flank, while meteorologists warn of continued heat, potential thunderstorms, and new lightning-caused fires, indicating a challenging summer for wildfires across Western Canada.
Trending- 1 Sunday: Edith Lake wildfire sparked
- 2 Monday evening: 1,300 residents of Swan Hills ordered to flee south
- 3 Tuesday afternoon: Flames breached Highway 33
- 4 Wednesday: Fire has burned 3,629 hectares; crews focusing on southeast side; Red flag watch in effect
- 5 Thursday: Red flag conditions expected to continue; cold front moves in from B.C. bringing risk of new lightning-caused fires
- 6 Weekend: Heat expected to subside, rain moves across central parts of Alberta
- 7 2021: Western Canada experienced drought, wildfires, water shortages, and a deadly heat wave (mentioned as similar forecast)
- 1,300 residents of Swan Hills evacuated
- Highway 33 remains closed
- Fire continues to spread (3,629 hectares burned)
- Dangerous conditions for firefighters
- Risk of new fires caused by lightning due to thunderstorms and wind shifts
- Drought-like conditions and elevated temperatures expected across the Prairies this summer
- More fire and smoke becoming a 'new reality' due to climate change
- Other communities (Saskatchewan, Flin Flon) also facing evacuations due to aggressive wildfires
What: The Edith Lake wildfire near Swan Hills, Alberta, has grown to 3,629 hectares, forcing 1,300 residents to evacuate. Dangerous fire conditions (extreme heat, low humidity, strong winds up to 45 km/h, potential 70 km/h gusts with cold front) are expected. Crews are focusing on the southeast side. More than 40 fires are burning across Alberta.
When: Red flag watch issued for Wednesday and Thursday; Edith Lake wildfire sparked on Sunday; 1,300 residents ordered to flee by Monday evening; Highway 33 breached on Tuesday afternoon; update on Wednesday.
Where: Swan Hills, Alberta, Canada; the fire is burning eight kilometres away from the town; Highway 33; western boreal forest and northern east slopes of Alberta. Other affected areas include Ontario-Manitoba boundary, Saskatchewan, Flin Flon, Manitoba, British Columbia. Mike Flannigan is located in Kamloops, B.C.
Why: Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds are creating volatile conditions, making it easier for fires to start and spread, and making existing fires more intense and difficult to extinguish. This is part of a 'new reality' of longer, more extreme wildfire seasons due to warmer temperatures and drier fuels.
How: Firefighters, supported by helicopters, air tankers, and heavy equipment, are working to contain the fire. A provincial incident command team is coordinating efforts. Night vision-equipped helicopters and heavy equipment will work through the night.