Edson Area Update

We ask that you use caution when you recreate or work in the outdoors and keep watch over your surroundings.  Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire and never leave it unattended.  If you suspect a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is MODERATE.  There is currently one active wildfire.  EWF021 has been turned over to the responsible party and is less than 0.01 ha in size.

Since January 1, 2020, there have been 21 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 1.94 ha.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently six wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Four of these wildfires are under control and two have been turned over to the responsible parties. 

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 276 wildfires burning a total of 434.22 ha.  

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

CHOOSE A SAFE LOCATION

A campfire should be built on level ground near water and should be sheltered from the wind.  If water is not nearby, keep a large pail already filled with water within reach.  Under the right conditions, wind can pick up sparks or embers and ignite a wildfire.

NEVER LEAVE IT UNATTENDED

Whether you are going to bed, going out for a short hike or heading home, your campfire must be extinguished before you leave.

FULLY EXTINGUISH YOUR CAMPFIRE

You must soak the ashes with water, stir it with a shovel or large stick and soak the ashes again.  Continue to do this until the ashes are cool to the touch.  Your campfire can re-ignite if not properly extinguished, especially if there is wind, and start a wildfire.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

Due to reduced wildfire hazard, advanced operational preparedness and favourable weather conditions in many areas of the province, the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area has now been revoked and a fire advisory has been put in place.

A fire advisory means Albertans in the Forest Protection Area can safely enjoy the use of a fire pit in their backyard, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire.

ALLOWED

• safe wood campfires
• backyard fire pits
• charcoal briquette barbecues
• use of propane, natural gas or powered appliance
• catalytic or infrared-style heaters
• safe burning with a permit
• recreational off-highway vehicle use

PROHIBITED

• burning (excluding campfires) without a permit
• unattended or unsafe campfires

Permits may not be issued as usual under a fire advisory. These precautions were put in place as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan to avoid multiple disasters at a time when resources may be limited.  Two hundred additional fire fighters were hired and are now trained and positioned to respond to new wildfire starts.

Restrictions can be phased back in as necessary to address wildfire risk area-by-area.  We expect this fire advisory to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires, while allowing Albertans the freedom to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.  We will re-evaluate daily.

Stay tuned to www.albertafirebans.ca throughout the wildfire season for more information about fire bans and restrictions in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta.

The Junior Forest Ranger Leaders arrived last week. The members will join the forest area next month.

 WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

     

For more information, please contact: