With the Fire Danger (Weather Index) map showing high to extreme conditions across Alberta, it is not unexpected to hear of evacuations throughout Alberta.
What you Need to Know
Assess Your Current Circumstances
Please assess your current circumstances regarding wildfire activity, possible road closures, evacuation alerts, and air quality, and as a team, have a safety briefing meeting to see if you should temporarily leave the field.
Wildfire Activity
Continually monitor these sites to stay informed of changing wildfire activity and be prepared to react quickly if circumstances change.
The Alberta Wildfire Map provides detailed information on those wildfires that are noted as "out-of-control", "being held" and "in control". For details on major fires causing evacuations, click on the bottom tab of the map “Wildfires of Note”. For fire restrictions or bans, click on the bottom right-hand corner.
AEA will provide alerts of evacuation orders and alerts so download the app on your phone.
If you are in British Columbia, have the BC Wildfire Map available and go to EmergencyInfoBC for evacuation orders and other emergency notices.
Saskatchewan Wildfire Map
Manitoba Wildfire Map
NWT Wildfire Map
Yukon Wildfire Map
For those undertaking research in other jurisdictions, ensure you have access to wildfire information and evacuation protocols for that jurisdiction.
Road Closures Related to Wildfire Activities
Road closures can occur due to wildfire activity. Monitor the following sites to stay current with road closures. Review your FAP for alternate evacuation routes in the event of road closures. Always ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
511 Alberta
On the left-hand side, they have a pop-up that identifies road closures related to wildfire activity.
Drive BC
Saskatchewan Road Alerts
Manitoba 511- Manitoba has declared a Provincial State of Emergency. Evacuation orders and alerts are in effect in northern and eastern Manitoba.
Evacuation Alerts and Orders
If you are in or near an area where an evacuation alert has been issued, be prepared to evacuate if an order is issued. If an order is issued, you MUST leave your field location and take the route to an evacuation/reception centre as advised through the evacuation order. Once you are in a secure evacuation/reception center, notify your supervisor.
At the time of this writing, the following evacuation orders are in place in Alberta:
Critical: Wildfire - Loon Lake 235
Issued May 29, 2025 at 02:00 AM
Description: There is an out of control fire 10 kms south of the community that has become a danger for Loon Lake. Loon River First Nation has issued a mandatory evacuation order
Area: This is for the community of Loon Lake
Source: Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council
More details
Critical: Wildfire - Opportunity No. 17
Issued May 29, 2025 at 01:45 AM
Description: There are a number of wildfires in the area and may affect access in and out of the community. Peerless Trout First Nation is issuing a mandatory evacuation order.
Area: The alert is for the communities of Peerless Lake and Trout Lake
Source: Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council
More details
Critical: Wildfire - Opportunity No. 17
Updated May 29, 2025 at 01:06 AM
Description: Everyone in Red Earth Creek must evacuate immediately.
Area: This alert is in effect for Red Earth Creek.
Source: MD of Opportunity No.17
More details
Critical: Wildfire - Opportunity No. 17
Updated May 28, 2025 at 05:06 PM
Description: There is a wildfire threat to the Chip/Alpac road. The MD of Opportunity has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the community of Chipewyan Lake. Everyone in Chipewyan Lake must evacuate immediately.
Area: The MD of Opportunity is issuing a Wildfire Alert for the community of Chipewyan Lake.
BC Emergency Info
Saskatchewan SaskAlerts
Yukon Emergency Alerts
NWT Alert
Manitoba 511
If you have not left for the Field
As a result of the wildfire activity and increased risks, some field researchers working in Northern Alberta have returned.
For those researchers who have not left for the field but are planning to conduct research in an area where wildfires are active, reassess whether you should postpone your trip.
If you assess that it is safe to proceed, before departing review your Field Activity Plan, discuss the plan with your team and ensure the FAP addresses the monitoring of wildfire activity, road closures, evacuation alerts and orders and air quality advisories.
In a previous newsletter, we listed the controls for the hazards of wildfires, so please review those and incorporate them into your FAP if you haven't already done so.
