Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - September 28, 2021

Posted on Tue, Sep 28, 2021

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Grass and fine fuels are dry and any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire even when the temperatures are cooler. We urge those that work or recreate outdoors to use care and be prepared.

Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. 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.


108 Sept 28 Athabasca Lookout

Fall view from Athabasca Lookout.

EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now HIGH due to the dry grass, fine fuels and strong winds.


FARM AND ACREAGE OWNERS

Fall is a busy time of year in the farming community, with completing the harvest and getting the last of the bales hauled in before the snow arrives. Wildfire is perhaps the last thing on your mind, but the threat of wildfire still exists. Here are a few tips that can reduce the risk this fall.

  1. Grease moving parts that require it on a regular basis to reduce friction and prevent heat buildup.

  2. Clean your dusty equipment as needed with an air compressor, particularly balers.

  3. Ensure all your machinery is equipped with sufficient fire fighting equipment like a fire extinguisher.

To learn more on what you can do to FireSmart your property, view the Farm and Acreage Magazine available by clicking here.


EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 162 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.

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 as the 2015 Rock Slide wildfire. The fire is currently estimated to be 7.7 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 1,241 wildfires burning a total of 52,890 ha.  

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


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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