Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area - Wildfire Update - Fire Advisory in Effect - June 25, 2020

Posted on Thu, Jun 25, 2020

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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 LOW.  There are currently no active wildfires. 

Since March 1, 2020, there have been 22 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 2.0 ha.  

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently 10 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Three of these are under control and seven have been turned over to the responsible parties. 

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 323 wildfires burning a total of 712.63 ha.  

Provincially, the fire danger is low-moderate in the Rockies and moderate-high elsewhere.

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


CAMPFIRE SAFETY

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IF YOU PLAN TO BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT

If you plan on burning within the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a cooking or heating fire, you must contact your local forestry office to request a fire permit.  You can click here for a listing of forestry offices near you.  Why should you get a permit?

  • A permit helps us keep track of burning in the area, and more importantly, smoke and flame.

  • When lookout observers report smoke, fire fighters aren't dispatched unnecessarily when they could be needed elsewhere.

  • Getting a permit is a chance for a reminder of safe burning techniques.

To request a permit within the Edson Forest Area, call 780-723-8527.


Fire Advisory - FB

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and favourable weather conditions in many areas of the province, the fire ban in the Forest Protection Area has now been revoked and a fire advisory has been put in place.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.


9 June 25 Dispatchers PS

Each forest area has a radio room which is manned by dispatchers.


 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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