Be advised that warmer temperatures and wind events have created areas of exposed grass. We urge you to frequently check your winter burns and ensure you fully extinguish your fire. A fire left smoldering can burn underground for months, resurfacing at anytime causing a wildfire.
We ask that you continue to use caution at all times when working and recreating in the outdoors and keep watch of your surroundings. Exposed cured dry grass can ignite easily and burn quickly. If you suspect a wildfire, please report it to 310 FIRE.
Residents are not required to contact Alberta Wildfire outside of fire season when burning, however we appreciate the information in the event that smoke is reported by the public. You can contact the Forestry Office at 780-723-8527.
To learn more on winter burns, you can click here to view this video.
WINTER BURNING
Many landowners and industry representatives will be conducting winter burning. We ask that you always use caution when burning and that you are aware of the following:
- To assist the Edson Forest Area in regards to reports of smoke or flame, we ask that you contact the dispatch line (780) 723-8507 with the following:
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- Name of landowner burning or company and representative name.
- Phone number in case of emergency.
- Legal land description or latitude/longitude.
- Ensure that you have the proper tools with you at any burn site, including an axe, two shovels and at least 200 litres of water.
- Do not burn if the wind speed is over 15 km/h. Wind can pick up sparks or embers and start a wildfire if the conditions are right.
- As with any burning, do not attempt to burn more then you can control.
- Frequently check your burns, especially in the spring. A smoldering fire can burrow under the ground and re-surface months later.
- If you have any questions about proper burning procedures, visit alberta.ca.
You can refer to the Brush Piles and Windrows Pamphlet for more information and safe burning practices.
MOUNTAIN PINE BEETLE BURNING OPERATIONS
Please be advised that Mountain Pine Beetle survey and control operations are underway. You can expect to see smoke or flame in the forest in some areas.
There are two ares of control this year in our area. One is located 30 km's S & SE of Edson. The other is scattered east of the community of Grande Cache. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact the Information Officer at (780) 723-8500.
To learn more about Mountain Pine Beetle, visit out website by clicking here.
We want to remind the public that other industries are also conducting burning projects during this time.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE | WILDFIRE SEASON 2020
The Edson Forest Area (EFA) currently has 0 active wildfires.
Since January 1, 2020, there has been 1 wildfire in the Edson Forest Area which burnt approximately 0.01 ha.
Did you know that there are only 2 causes of wildfires? Those causes are human and lighting. Human wildfires are 100% preventable. To learn more on how you can prevent wildfires, visit wildfire.alberta.ca.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE | WILDFIRE SEASON 2020
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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