A Fire restriction is in effect for the Edson Forest Area. We are urging the public t 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.
Multiple lightning strikes were recorded yesterday evening and throughout the night. If you see smoke or flame, report the wildfire to 310-FIRE.
NEW WILDFIRE DETECTIONS
EWF087 is currently burning OUT OF CONTROL and 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.
The wildfire is estimated to be 0.37 ha in size. It's currently burning in a cut block but not growing very quickly. Four firefighters and two helicopters are actioning the wildfire.
EWF086 is now BEING HELD. This means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. 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.
The wildfire activity has diminished and only some surface flame is observed. Twenty nine firefighters have returned this morning and will search for and extinguish hotspots and reinforce the containment line that was completed last night with the aid of heavy equipment.
There are no communities being affected by the wildfires at this time. The cause is under investigation.
To view the wildfire 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.
Today, 32 initial attack wildfire firefighters, 47 support firefighters, six helicopters, two heavy helicopters with large bucketing capacity, one helicopter coordinator and 20 pieces of heavy equipment are available to respond to any new wildfires. The Edson Forest Area is also being supported by adjacent forest areas and we will support them if possible.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1, 2021, there have been 86 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 753 ha. As of today, 92% of our wildfires were human-caused which could have been prevented.
EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is classified as BEING HELD. 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. The fire is mostly smoldering on the ground but at times flares in unburnt tree stands that remain in the interior.
Firefighters from across the province are working to contain and suppress the wildfire and will continue to do so 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 is currently under investigation.
To understand what the wildfire classifications mean, visit our website by clicking here.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 639 wildfires burning a total of 2,900 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
SMOKE RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS
Please be advised that smoke from multiple wildfires outside of our forest area can be seen. No wildfire in our forest area is producing smoke except for EWF075 located 9 km west of Evansburg. To learn more about smoke produced by wildfires, visit firesmoke.ca. For smoke related health concerns, please visit Alberta Health Services, click here.
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:
-
Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
-
Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
-
Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
-
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: