Status Update Frequency
Non-emergent updates will be provided once a day unless the wildfire once again becomes threatening.
June 12, 2025 at 4:30 pm
PWF050 (Slims Creek Fire) has grown to 21,000 ha. The most active areas of the fire continue to be the northwest and southeast corners, with winds pushing the fire north and west, including a third crossing of Highway 35 to the south. Aircraft is currently actioning an excursion on the southwest side, and a good dozer guard has been established on the west side of the highway.
The fire is currently burning along the highway. Firefighters are supported by heavy equipment and are trying to shore up guard and keep it contained. Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers, heavy equipment groups, and structure protection crews are on site.
Notes:
- Highway 35 is closed at this time.
- Transportation may open and close highways without warning as wildfire conditions change. Stay up to date on road closures by visiting the 511 Alberta website or downloading the 511 app.
- Twin Lakes PRA will remain closed until further notice.
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for areas of Hawk Hills.
June 11, 2025 at 2:50 pm
PWF050 (Slims Creek) is holding at 16,000 ha. Westerly winds have pushed some growth to the east, but nothing substantial. Forestry isn't projecting the fire to reach any significant values today. As has been the case for a number of days, fire is currently burning along the highway.
Firefighters are supported by heavy equipment and are trying to shore up the fireguard to keep it contained. Firefighters, helicopters, airtankers, heavy equipment groups, and structure protection crews are on site.
RCMP and Alberta Transportation are keeping Highway 35 open at this time with a reduced speed limit to ensure the safety of wildfire and industry workers in the area.
The Australian Incident Management Team will be arriving this afternoon. The Peace Region is projected to see some significantly cooler weather in the next week, which helps reduce fire behaviour.
Notes:
- Highway 35 is open at this time.
- Transportation may open and close highways without warning as wildfire conditions change. Stay up to date on road closures by visiting the 511 Alberta website or downloading the 511 app.
- Twin Lakes PRA will remain closed until further notice.
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for areas of Hawk Hills.
June 10, 2025 at 2:45 pm
PW050 is holding at 16,000 ha. Forestry anticipates the fire to cross the highway a third time, to the north, roughly 3km south of Kemp River, within the next few days.
RCMP and Alberta Transportation are keeping Highway 35 open at this time, and will reassess the situation as it progresses. Heavy smoke conditions continue into today, and will continue into Wednesday.
Notes:
- Highway 35 is open at this time.
- Transportation may open and close highways without warning as wildfire conditions change. Stay up to date on road closures by visiting the 511 Alberta website or downloading the 511 app.
- Twin Lakes PRA will remain closed until further notice.
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for areas of Hawk Hills.
June 9, 2025 at 10:30 am
PWF050 (Slims Creek Fire) is in the vicinity of Twin Lakes Provincial Park and is 16,000 ha. Forestry anticipates the fire to cross the highway a third time, to the north, roughly 3 km south of Kemp River, in the next 24 hours. This, in addition to prevailing smoke and fire conditions, means the RCMP will not be reopening Highway 35 at this time.
Imported Australia and wildfire personnel will be establishing an incident management team on this fire on Wednesday. We're also welcoming wildfire staff from Newfoundland to our operations in Peace, this week. Much appreciated help!
Work continues to contain the wildfire with heavy equipment, helicopters and crews. The cause is lightning.
Notes:
- Highway 35 remains closed at this time.
- Transportation may open and close highways without warning as wildfire conditions change. Stay up to date on road closures by visiting the 511 Alberta website or downloading the 511 app.
- Twin Lakes PRA will remain closed until further notice.
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for areas of Hawk Hills.
June 7, 2025 at 7:30 pm
PWF050 “Slims Creek Fire” is in the vicinity of Twin Lakes Provincial Park and is estimated at 4,876 ha. Winds were very gusty over the fire today and will continue into the evening making for challenging firefighting operations.
The fire was very active, particularly on the east end today, aerial attack was effective in the early afternoon but as humidity dropped, conditions worsened, and the fire took a run to the east through some cutblocks. It is now approximately 9km east of the highway.
Crossover conditions are possible during tomorrow's peak burning period and the fire is expected to challenge suppression again.
Forestry is anticipating Monday as being a more significant fire growth day as humidities are forecasted to be lower - spread will be to southeast.
Work continues to contain the wildfire with heavy equipment, helicopters (including heavies) and crews.
Twin Lakes PRA will remain closed until further notice.
June 6, 2025 at 11:00 am
June 5, 2025 at 4:20 pm
June 5, 2025 at 12:00 pm
PWF050 “Slims Creek Fire” is located 4km west of Highway 35, just southwest of Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area and is currently 2200 ha, trending northwest overnight.
Today’s westerly will likely push this fire east, in the direction of Highway 35, at which time RCMP will make the decision whether or not to close the highway between Hawk Hills and Paddle Prairie. Currently, PWF050 is still 4km from Highway 35 and 5.5km from Twin Lakes PRA. Work continues to contain the wildfire with heavy equipment, helicopters, firefighting crews, and air tankers. The cause is lightning.
Highway 35 remains open at this time. Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area remains closed at this time.
Hawk Hills residents should remain vigilant and continue to be prepared to leave on short notice. Any person having trouble breathing due to smoke should seek medical assistance.
The County urges all residents to visit the Alberta Wildfire website to keep up to date on wildfire information and the 511 Alberta website for road closures.
June 4, 2025 at 12:00 pm
PWF050 “Slims Creek Fire”: is located 6km west of Highway 35, just southwest of Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area and is currently 1065 ha, with no substantial growth overnight.
Work continues on containing the wildfire with heavy equipment, helicopters, firefighting crews, and air tankers. The cause is lightning.
Highway 35 remains open at this time.
Hawk Hills residents should remain vigilant, continue to be prepared to leave on short notice. Any person having trouble breathing due to smoke should seek medical assistance.
Non-emergent updates will be provided once a day unless the wildfire once again becomes threatening.
The County urges all residents to visit the Alberta Wildfire website to keep up to date on wildfire information and the 511 Alberta website for road closures.
June 3, 2025 at 9:30 am
The County of Northern Lights has issued a WILDFIRE ALERT UPDATE for the Hawk Hills area regarding active wildfire PWF050 near Twin Lakes.
PWF050 is currently going west and is roughly 4 km from Highway 35. Crews are continuing efforts both on the ground and in the air.
Highway 35 remains open at this time.
Hawk Hills residents should remain vigilant, continue to be prepared to leave on short notice. Any person having trouble breathing due to smoke should seek medical assistance.
Stay tuned to the County Website or Facebook page for details.
June 2, 2025 at 8:00 pm
The County of Northern Lights has issued a WILDFIRE ALERT UPDATE for the Hawk Hills area regarding active wildfire PWF050 near Twin Lakes.
Highway 35 is now open. Winds continue to change and move the wildfire. Night helicopters will be patrolling.
Hawk Hills residents should remain vigilant, continue to be prepared to leave on short notice. Any person having trouble breathing due to smoke should seek medical assistance.
Stay tuned to the County Website or Facebook page for details.
Emergency Preparedness Resources and Information
June 2, 2025 at 4:03 pm
The County of Northern Lights has issued a WILDFIRE ALERT for residents north of Hawk Hills and around the Twin Lakes Provincial Park.
An active wildfire is in the area. Residents of Hawk Hills are advised to be prepared to evacuate on short notice.
Highway 35 North from Highway 692 to Highway 695 is closed until further notice. Avoid the area and follow the direction of emergency personnel.
For emergency information updates, visit the County Facebook page or the County website at www.countyofnorthernlights.com
Emergency Preparedness Resources and Information
June 2, 2025 at 2:21 pm
There is an active wildfire roughly 3 kilometres north of Twin Lakes Provincial Park. Campground guests are currently being evacuated.
Emergency Services are on site.
Please stay tuned to the County Facebook page and website for developing information.