The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is LOW. If you see smoke or flame in the forest, call 310-FIRE.
Rainfall and cool temperatures will keep the Wildfire Danger at LOW in the Edson Forest Area, we ask that you use extreme caution at all times when working and recreating in the outdoors.
Remember to always fully extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended. Knock the hotspots off your OHV and if you see smoke or flame in the forest, report it to 310-FIRE (3473).
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE | August 8, 2019
The Edson Forest Area (EFA) currently has 0 active wildfire.
Since March 1, 2019, there have been 55 wildfires in the EFA which has burnt approximately 265 ha. To view the provincial wildfire map, visit our website by clicking here.
MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE
Many of you may notice an increase in helicopter activity in your area. Agriculture and Forestry staff as well as government-hired contractors have begun their annual mountain pine beetle (MPB) aerial survey program, which takes on average 6 weeks to complete. The helicopters will be flying low-level over the forest in a grid like pattern.
Mountain pine beetle killed trees have already begun to fade, turning some parts of our forest to a mosaic of red and green. This may look appealing for now, but in the next couple of years, the needles will fall and leave a dead standing tree.
These beetles, which are native to North America, can kill pine trees by clogging and destroying the conductive tissue of the tree due to the blue-stain fungus that is introduced when they initially attack the tree. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae will feed in the phloem of the tree. The combination of the blue-stain fungi and larvae can kill the tree within one month of the attack. The effects of the killed tree (turning red) normally appears the following summer.
The Government of Alberta has implemented both a long-term and short-term strategy to manage the MPB infestation and protect the health of the forests. Through the Healthy Pine Strategy, prescribed fire and strategic harvesting, Alberta encourages a more natural diversity of tree ages that will be more resilient to threats from destructive insects, disease and wildfire.
To read more on mountain pine beetle, please visit the Agriculture and Forestry website.
NEVER LEAVE IT UNATTENDED
To properly put out your campfire, you must soak it, stir it and soak it again with a shovel or a large stick until the ashes are cool to the touch. Hot embers can smolder deep underground and re-surface when the wind picks up. Don't take any chances, soak it right!
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE | August 8, 2019
Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 928 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 869,247.13 hectares.
Fire Danger Rating: High in the southern Rockies. Low elsewhere.
Agriculture and Forestry has the following resources deployed on wildfires or pre-positioned across the province ready to action new wildfires: 727 firefighters and support staff, 33 helicopters, 17 airtankers and 15 pieces of heavy equipment.
Agriculture and Forestry is currently being supported by imported resources from the following provinces and agencies: British Columbia, Ontario & Quebec.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
- Get a permit if you're within the Forest Protection Area and you plan on burning with the exception of a campfire. For permit information, Click Here.
- 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
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