A fire advisory remains in effect for the Edson Forest Area.
Windy and hot weather is expected in the coming days. We ask that you remain vigilant of your surroundings and mindful of your activities that could start a wildfire.
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. To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
The Junior Forest Rangers assisted with the butterfly count at the Cardinal Divide earlier this month. To learn more about the JFRs, visit their website by clicking here.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains VERY HIGH.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1, 2021, there have been 146 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 828 ha. To date, 68% of the wildfires in our forest area have been human-caused and could have been prevented.
The Edson Forest Area currently has staff and firefighters assisting Manitoba, Ontario and British Columbia.
EWF124 is UNDER CONTROL. The wildfire is 40 km south of Grande Cache on the border of Jasper National Park within the same burnt area of the 2015 Rock Slide wildfire. The fire is currently estimated to be 7.70 ha in size and determined to be caused by lightning.
EWF075 is 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. The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.
There is no threat to any communities at this time.
The wildfires will be monitored as needed until they are classified as extinguished. To understand what the wildfire classifications mean, visit our website by clicking here.
To view the wildfires on a map, download the new AB Wildfire Status App.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1,073 wildfires burning a total of 52,335 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area.
Under this advisory:
- Current fire permits remain valid;
- New fire permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.
Prohibited:
- Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.
Allowed:
- Safe wood campfires *
- Backyard fire pits
- Portable propane fire pits
- Gas or propane stoves and barbecues
- Catalytic or infrared-style heaters
*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:
- Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;
- Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;
- Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and
- Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE. The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.
WILDFIRE PREVENTION
HOW OHVs CAN START WILDFIRES
- Exhaust systems heat up to temperatures in excess of 204 degrees Celsius; hot enough to fry an egg and start a wildfire.
- At these temperatures, built up materials and debris on your machine (such as grass, muskeg, moss, or other debris) can heat up, smoulder and ignite.
- The smouldering debris can drop to the ground as you’re riding, starting a wildfire.
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: