A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area. All burn permits, with the exception of burn barrels are cancelled and no new permits will be issued until conditions improve.
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.
EWF-075 OUT OF CONTROL - UPDATE 10:30 P.M
Wildfire EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is currently burning out of control 9 km west north-west of Evansburg, north of highway 16 and west of highway 22.
The wildfire has been reassessed and is now estimated to be 143 hectares in size. The wildfire has crossed the Lobstick River but not highway 16.
Today, six airtankers and four helicopters assisted with containing the wildfire. 11 pieces of heavy equipment will continue to work through the night building containment lines surrounding the wildfire. Firefighters will work late into the evening and return early in the morning.
UPDATE FROM YELLOWHEAD COUNTY
Approximately 33 Yellowhead County Fire Department (YCFD) firefighters and five Yellowhead County Peace Officers have been on scene from fire stations across the county working at the incident and evacuating residents.
YCFD will continue to monitor the fire with Agriculture and Forestry (Alberta Wildfire) overnight and will alert residents if the situation changes and additional evacuations are required.
YCFD firefighters will continue to do structure protection overnight.
Residents in the area have been evacuated by Yellowhead County. Please visit Alberta Emergency Alert https://emergencyalert.alberta.ca/ for more information.
If residents have any questions regarding evacuations, they can call the Emergency Information number for residents 1-833-334-4630. This number will be available overnight.
For possible road closures, please visit https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts or download the app.
EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is currently burning out of control 9 km west north-west of Evansburg (9:00 p.m).
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now VERY HIGH.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1, 2021, there have been 74 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 614 ha. As of today, 92% of our wildfires were human-caused which could have been prevented.
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 wildfire until it is extinguished.
The wildfire poses no threat to any community at this time. The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 576 wildfires burning a total of 1,514 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
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: