Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - July 4, 2021 (6:30 p.m)

Posted on Sun, Jul 04, 2021

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A Fire restriction is in effect for the Edson Forest Area. We are urging the public to use the utmost care when working and recreating in the outdoors.

In the event of a wildfire, extreme fire behaviour is anticipated. Extreme fire behavior means long flame lengths, faster moving fire, long range spotting of embers and greater potential for the fire to climb from the ground into the forest canopy and spread quickly. This creates serious fire control problems for firefighters.

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

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Very little wildfire activity is observed on EWF093 (July 4, 2021 5:00 p.m).

NEW WILDFIRE DETECTIONS

Yesterday, 12 new wildfires were recorded. Today, there were no new wildfires detected.

Many of the recent wildfires are believed to have been caused by lightning strikes that have occurred over the past few days. These types of wildfires can smolder deep into the ground for days or even weeks and flare when the conditions are right. We would like to remind everyone, if you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE.

EWF093 and EWF094 are both located 12 km north of Cynthia and 73 km south east of Edson on the east side of highway 753. The fires are 2.5 km from each other.

EWF094 is now UNDER CONTROL and is estimated to be 1.5 ha in size. There are nine firefighters assigned to this fire. 

EWF093 is now BEING HELD. This means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. The wildfire is estimated to be 54 ha in size. Last night, firefighters and heavy equipment were able to build a full containment line surrounding the wildfire. Today, 46 firefighters and four helicopters worked to reinforce the line and search for and extinguish hotspots and will continue tomorrow.

No significant rain was recorded on the wildfire today and no new growth has been reported since last night. The cause of EWF093 and EWF094 has been determined to be lightning.

There are no communities being affected by any wildfires in our forest area at this time. 

To view the wildfires on a map, download the new AB Wildfire Status App.


EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains EXTREME. In the event of a wildfire, extreme fire behaviour is anticipated. In preparation, we have pre-positioned our firefighters, aircraft and equipment in key areas to enable them to respond quickly to new wildfires.


EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 100 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 820 ha. To date, 78% of the wildfires in our forest area have been human-caused and could have been prevented.


EWF096 is now BEING HELD. The wildfire is located 21 km east of Robb and estimated to be 10 ha in size. Heavy equipment successfully completed a containment line surrounding the wildfire last night. Today,  20 firefighters worked to reinforce the containment line and search for and extinguish hotspots. The wildfire received significant rain overnight and this morning. Crews made great progress on this fire.

EWF095 is currently UNDER CONTROL and estimated to be 0.2 ha in size. This wildfire was caused by lightning.

EWF087 is now BEING HELD. The fire was detected on July 2 at 7:00 a.m. It is located 35 km south east of Edson, 500m west of the Repsol Road. 

EWF086 is now BEING HELD. The fire was detected on July 1 and is located 20 km south west of Edson south of highway 47 near the Sundance Road. The wildfire was reassessed and is now estimated to be 2.8 ha in size.

EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is now classified as UNDER CONTROL. The wildfire is located 9 km west of Evansburg, north of highway 16 and west of highway 22. The wildfire is 175 hectares in size. No new growth has been reported since the evening of June 22. Firefighters from across the province are searching for and extinguishing hotspots. They will remain vigilant until the wildfire is fully extinguished.

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 monitor for hotspots until it is determined to be fully extinguished.

The wildfires pose no threat to any communities at this time. The cause of the wildfires are currently under investigation.

To understand what the wildfire classifications mean, visit our website by clicking here.


83 July 4 EWF093 FF lsAlberta Wildfire firefighters have come from across the province to assist us with the multiple wildfires in our forest area.


PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 696 wildfires burning a total of 3,466 ha.  

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


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To view the Ministerial Order:  https://wildfire.alberta.ca/wildfire-status/ministerial-orders.aspx


WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

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

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 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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