Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area - FIRE BAN IN EFFECT - Wildfire Update - May 20, 2020

Posted on Wed, May 20, 2020

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Grass and fine fuels are dry and any spark, hot exhaust or friction can start a wildfire.  Grass catches easily and burns out of control quickly.  We ask that you use caution when you recreate or work in the outdoors and keep watch over your surroundings.  If you suspect a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is LOW.  There are currently no active wildfires.

Since March 1, 2020, there have been 15 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 1.31 ha.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently eight wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Five of these wildfires are under control and three have been turned over to the responsible parties. 

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 228 wildfires burning a total of 422.05 ha.  

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


FIRESMART YOUR PROPERTY

Firesmart practices are becoming a way of life for many communities in North America.  With so many neighborhoods being threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes and properties.   

Spring is a great time to get your property Firesmart-ready, here are a few easy tasks you can tackle this weekend:

  • Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from your roof and gutters.

  • Mow grass and weeds within 10 meters of the house to 10 cm or less.

  • Clear all dead plants, leaves and weeds within 10 meters of the house.  Maintain a 1.5 metre noncombustible zone around your home and deck by sweeping or raking down to mineral soil, rock or concrete.

  • Move combustible items such as toys, patio furniture, cushions and firewood that are on or under your deck and within 10 meters of any structure into your home, garage or other permanent storage.

To find out how you can be part of a Firesmart community or for general information, please visit their website by clicking here or watch this quick video by clicking on the play button. 

FireSmart Video Play


There is a fire ban in place inside the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.  Fire permits are suspended or cancelled. Some allowances can be made for essential agricultural and industrial burning, but will need to be approved by a forest officer.

 

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These steps are part of a number of actions the department is implementing to help mitigate wildfire risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking action in advance to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires will allow Alberta Wildfire to make the best possible use of resources when the availability of firefighters could be reduced because of the pandemic.

PROHIBITED

All outdoor wood fires are banned, including wood campfires on public lands, wood campfires on private land and provincial campgrounds, backyard firepits and the use of BBQ charcoal briquettes. The use of fireworks and exploding targets are also prohibited.

ALLOWED

Propane / natural gas powered appliances, indoor wood fire, and open flame CSA approved oil devices.

All devices must be CSA approved and used as per manufacturer standards. An indoor wood fire is a fire inside a structure (such as a building, tent, or RV) and contained within a device with a chimney and spark arrestor. Users are still responsible for care and attendance of all devices and should reduce their use during fire restrictions and bans. Approved activities or devices will not prevent potential prosecution or litigation if the user or device starts a wildfire.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry will be monitoring conditions, including the availability of firefighting crews and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fire Ban will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Please visit AlbertaFireBans.ca for a map of the affected area.


May 20 Safety Briefing Wolf Lake

Alberta wildland firefighters are practicing social distancing while doing a safety briefing with the pilot before a loaded patrol.


 WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:  

 ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION

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For more information, please contact:

Caroline Charbonneau
Wildfire Information Officer | Edson Forest Area
 
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