Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - October 27, 2021

Posted on Wed, Oct 27, 2021

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Winds are expected to increase today and we ask that you use extra caution when working and recreating. If you are burning, follow conditions of your permit and closely monitor the weather.

Grass and fine fuels are dry and any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire even when the temperatures are cooler. All campfires, regardless of their size, must be fully extinguished.

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.


111 Dry Fall Road Oct 21

Grass and small ground debris like branches and needles will continue to dry over the coming days and become very flammable.

EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now HIGH, except in Grande Cache where the danger is LOW. 


HUNTING CAMPFIRES

This is the time of year when firefighters find abandoned campfires that we believe were left unintentionally by recreationalists and hunters. It’s very important to know that all campfires must be fully extinguished no matter what time of year it is. A campfire built on top of snow can easily smoulder in the debris underneath for weeks and even months, and re-ignite when the wind picks up or the conditions are favorable, which could cause a wildfire. 

When you’re planning your campfire, choose your site carefully. Hard-packed mineral soil or gravel is best. Scrape away any flammable material and use extra care around dead grass. Keep your fire small and protected from the wind. Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before you leave. Spread the burning material to reduce the heat. Soak it with water or snow, stir up the ashes and soak it again. Use your bare hands to feel for heat. If the ashes feel cold then the campfire is fully extinguished.


OHV SAFETY

When using an off-highway vehicles follow these simple steps to reduce the risk of your vehicle causing a wildfire:

  • Before you ride, clean out hot spots and remove debris from your machine.
  • After riding through muskeg or tall grass, stop and remove any build-up from your machine.
  • Carry firefighting equipment such as a small shovel, collapsible pail or fire extinguisher.
  • Wash your quad, trike or bike and keep it clean; do not wash in streams and creeks.
  • Make sure your muffler and spark arrestor are working properly.
  • Stop frequently. Take the time to knock debris from your machine’s hot spots. If the debris is smouldering, soak it, stir it, and soak it again to make sure it’s out.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 169 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 830 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 1,299 wildfires burning a total of 52,954 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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