A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area. Please be cautious and keep watch of your surroundings when working or 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. All fire permits except for burn barrels and essential industrial burning are currently suspended.
If you're having a campfire, ensure you have plenty of water nearby and always properly extinguish it before you leave. Soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again until they're cool to the touch. Never leave your campfire unattended.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Airtankers assisted with building containment lines around EWF056 this evening.
EWF056 - Update
Wildfire EWF056 was detected on June 1 and is currently burning out of control 12 km directly north of Cynthia on the east side of highway 753 and estimated to be 5 ha in size. The fire is slowly burning south east towards Sinkhole Lake.
There are 28 wildland firefighters, three helicopters, and 10 pieces of heavy equipment working to extinguish the wildfire. This afternoon, six airtankers worked to contain the wildfire with retardant. The crews will continue to reinforce the containment line surrounding the perimeter late this evening and resume in the early morning.
There are no communities threatened at this time. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
You can expect the next update on EWF056 to be tomorrow June 2, unless conditions change.
A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry fuels, expected warm temperatures, low relative humidity 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.
All fire permits except for burn barrels and essential industrial burning are currently suspended and any new industrial 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.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is VERY HIGH.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1, 2021, there have been 55 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 567 ha. As of today, 98% of our wildfires were human-caused which could have been prevented.
EWF049 was detected on May 22 and is located along highway 751 north of Nojack near the community of Mackay. The wildfire is now 8.60 ha in size and classified as under control.
EWF036 was detected on April 30 and is estimated to be 479 ha in size. The wildfire remains classified as under control and is located 20 km south of Carrot Creek, 25 km north west of Cynthia and 45 km south east of Edson.
Crews will continue to search for hotspots and monitor the wildfires until they are extinguished.
Neither wildfire pose a threat to any community at this time. The cause of these wildfires is currently under investigation.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 446 wildfires burning a total of 1,043 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
OPERATING EQUIPMENT IN THE FIELD
When working in the field, we ask that you keep watch of your surroundings and be mindful of spark, hot exhaust and friction that could start a wildfire.
FIRESMART TASK OF THE WEEK
Using FireSmart principles is becoming a way of life for many communities in North America. With so many neighborhoods threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes and properties.
Spring is a great time to make your property Firesmart ready. Here is one easy task you can tackle this week and throughout the summer.
To learn more about FireSmart, visit their website: https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:
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Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
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Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
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Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
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Before you head out this weekend, check out the albertafirebans.ca website or download the app to stay informed.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
- Subscribe to the Edson Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android device.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For more information, please contact: