Edson Area Update

Alberta's wildfire season begins March 1st and is effective until October 31st.  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.

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

Interested in joining the team?  We're now accepting 2021 applications!

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

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

Several of our wildfires this year were caused by abandoned campfires.  Ensure you fully extinguish your campfire before you leave.  Soak it with water, stir it and soak it again until the ashes are cool to the touch.

Since March 1, 2020, there have been 58 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning approximately 6.28 ha.  One wildfire occurred before wildfire season which makes a total of 59 since January 1st.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 698 wildfires burning a total of 3,265.07 ha.  

This time last season, there were 983 wildfires burning a total of 842,043.67 ha.

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

HUNTING AND RECREATIONAL CAMPFIRES

If you're having a campfire, even if it's small or on top of snow, you must ensure that it is fully extinguished before you leave the site. 

This time of year, snow may be present in the morning but can quickly melt by afternoon.  A campfire built on top of snow can easily smoulder in the debris underneath and re-ignite when the wind picks up which could cause a wildfire.  Choose your site carefully.  Hard-packed mineral soil or gravel is best.  Scrape away any flammable material and use extra care around dead grass.

When you leave the site, soak it, stir it and soak it again until the fire is extinguished and the ashes are cool to the touch.

IF YOU PLAN TO BURN IT, GET YOUR PERMIT

Alberta's wildfire season begins March 1st and is effective until October 31st.  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. To request a permit within the Edson Forest Area, call 780-723-8527.

ALBERTA WILDFIRE APPLICATIONS

Have you ever wanted to be a wildland firefighter? Here's your chance!

Crew applications for the 2021 wildfire season are now being accepted. Experience a seasonal position like no other! Work with like-minded individuals who have a passion for hard work and building a positive team dynamic. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2020.

Find more information at https://wildfire.alberta.ca/recruitment/wildfire-crews.aspx

 WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

     

For more information, please contact: