Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 1, 2021 (4:30 p.m)

Posted on Sat, May 01, 2021

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A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area. We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. 

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. At this time, all permits except for burn barrels and essential burning are cancelled and any new permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Our area has detected numerous wildfires caused by work related sparks, friction and hot exhaust. Equipment repairs, grinding and welding can cause even small amounts of grass to ignite and wildfires to spread easily. When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass, keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available.

If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.


Wildfire EWF037 is currently under control and is approximately 6 km east of Niton Junction, along Highway 16. The size is estimated to be 0.07 ha. There are seven Alberta wildfire firefighters, Yellowhead County firefighters and one helicopter actioning the wildfire.


Wildfire EWF036 is currently burning out of control approximately 10 km west of Eta Lake, 20 km south of Carrot Creek, 25 km north west of Cynthia and 45 km south east of Edson.

The wildfire was detected on April 30th at 11:45 a.m and is currently estimated to be 616 ha in size. The wildfire received some precipitation today with cooler temperatures. Very little fire activity was observed during the day and there was no new growth beyond it's current perimeter. However, wildfire activity could increase if the temperatures rise and the humidity lowers later this afternoon.

Currently, 88 firefighters, three helicopters and 11 pieces of heavy equipment are assisting with wildfire suppression operations. Six airtankers are on standby. The crews continued to work on finding and extinguishing hotspots along the perimeter of the fire and the dozers continued to built containment line to prevent the wildfire from spreading in the event that the fire becomes active again.

There are no communities threatened at this time. The cause of the wildfire is currently undetermined and under investigation.

27 EWF037 415 pm

Alberta wildfire firefighters and Yellowhead County firefighters are working on EWF037 which is burning out of control approximately 6 km east of Niton Junction.  (May 1, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.).


Fire Advisory 2

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to an abundance of dry fuels, expected warm temperatures, and increased wind speeds. Dry grass and crops are very hazardous and could ignite easily from any spark, friction or hot exhaust. Use extreme caution when working outdoors such as welding, grinding and operating equipment.

At this time, all permits except for burn barrels and essential burning are cancelled and any new permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

The public and residents in the Edson Forest Area can continue to use a fire pit, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire and recreational off-highway vehicles.

The fire advisory will remain in place until conditions improve.

Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.


EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now HIGH.


EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 36 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 680 ha.

EWF028 was detected on April 16 and is now under control. The wildfire is approximately 22 km north of Edson, located approximately 3 km south of Emerson Creek Rd and 3 km west of the Amaco Road. This fire poses no threat to any community at this time. The estimated size of the fire is 35 ha. Crews will continue to search for any remaining hotspots and extinguish them. The fire will be monitored until it is classified as extinguished. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 174 wildfires burning a total of 942 ha.  

For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca


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WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:  


 ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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For more information, please contact:

Caroline Charbonneau
Wildfire Information Officer | Edson Forest Area
Cell:  780-740-1341
caroline.charbonneau@gov.ab.ca
 
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