The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is LOW. Always extinguish your campfire, soak it, stir it, soak it again and never leave it unattended. 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 30, 2019
The Edson Forest Area (EFA) currently has 0 active wildfires.
Since March 1, 2019, there have been 57 wildfires in the EFA which has burnt approximately 265 ha. To view the provincial wildfire map, visit our website by clicking here.
WILDFIRE FIREFIGHTERS
Alberta has several types of wildfire firefighting crews. Helitack, also known as HAC, are members of a crew used in our initial attack of wildfire. They are specially trained in the tactical and logistical use of helicopters. Unlike Rappel crews, these firefighters exit the helicopter close to or directly on the ground. Similar to Rappel, they are able to safely get into areas of the wildfire that are not accessible by road, playing a crucial role in stopping the spread of the wildfire.
Are you or someone you know interested in a wildfire position? Visit our recruitment website by clicking here to learn more about what we have to offer!
The Edson Helitack Crew (EH04) is having a quick snack before returning to find and extinguish hotspots on a wildfire earlier this summer.
Since 1965, the Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) program is proud to offer Albertan youth the opportunity to get started in a career related to natural resource management and forestry.
All crews consist of eight crew members between the ages of 16-18 from across the province and two crew leaders. This summer experience is challenging, unique, and rewarding. Visit their website by clicking here to learn more!
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.
To read more on mountain pine beetle, please visit the Agriculture and Forestry website.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE | August 30, 2019
Since March 1, 2019, Alberta has recorded 942 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta that have burned a total of 883,288.47 hectares.
Fire Danger Rating: low to moderate over province.
Agriculture and Forestry has the following resources deployed on wildfires or pre-positioned across the province ready to action new wildfires: 426 firefighters and support staff, 25 helicopters and 13 airtankers.
Agriculture and Forestry is currently not being supported by imported resources.
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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