Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 3, 2021

Posted on Thu, Jun 03, 2021

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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.

52 June 3 EWF056 UC

Wildfire firefighting crews are working to extinguish hotspots on EWF056 today. (June 3, 2021).

EWF056 - UNDER CONTROL

Wildfire EWF056 was detected on June 1 is now classified as under control, which means that the fire is completely contained and will be extinguished.

The wildfire is located 12 km directly north of Cynthia on the east side of highway 753 and is 8.5 ha in size.

Today, 24 wildland firefighters continue to search and extinguish hotspots. 

No communities are threatened at this time. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.

Fire Advisory 1

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 suspended. No new permits will be issued until the area receives sufficient precipitation.

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 now EXTREME.


EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 55 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 570 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 452 wildfires burning a total of 1,039 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. 

·         Clear debris from moving parts.
·         Check your muffler.
·         Keep the equipment in good repair.
·         Avoid operating equipment in tall grass.
·         Keep watch of your surroundings.
·         Make sure you have enough firefighting equipment and water available.

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/

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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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