Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area - Wildfire Update - March 18, 2021 (4:30 p.m)

Posted on Thu, Mar 18, 2021

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With current lack of snow cover and warmer weather, grass and fine fuels are becoming very dry. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction can catch these fuels easily and burn quickly which could start a wildfire.  We ask that you use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors and keep watch of your surroundings.

During wildfire season, you are required to obtain a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527.

If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.

4 March 18 EWF007EWF007 was detected on March 18th and is currently being held.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains MODERATE. There is currently two active wildfires in the area. Both EWF007 and EWF008 were detected on March 18th.

EWF007 is located approximately 2 km south of highway 16 and 1.5 km east of highway 753. There is currently no threat to any communities. The wildfire is estimated to be 6.74 hectares in size and is currently being held. The wildfire is burning in grass and has burnt some trees. There are eight wildfire firefighting crew members on scene working to extinguish the fire. More information will be released as we continue to assess the incident. The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.

EWF008 was 0.01 ha and located 9 km west of Edson. It is now extinguished.

Since March 1, 2021, there have been six wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 7.56 ha.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

There are currently four wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 14 wildfires burning a total of 8.88 ha.  

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

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WILDFIRE SEASON STARTS MARCH 1

Starting March 1, fire permits are required for any burning, except campfires, in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. By getting a permit you help keep our firefighters free to fight real wildfires instead of responding to the smoke in your backyard. Fire permits are free and can be requested from your local Agriculture and Forestry office. For the Edson Forest Area, you can reach us at (780) 723-8527.

When checking your winter burns, spread around any remaining debris so you can probe the area for hotspots. Use your bare hand to feel for heat over the ash piles. If you see smoke or feel heat, the fire is still burning. Douse any remaining hotspots with water and stir up the ashes. A fire is not out until there is absolutely no heat emanating from the ashes.

You can refer to the Brush Piles and Windrows Pamphlet for more information on safe burning practices and proper extinguishment of your burns.


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YOU MAY SEE SMOKE OR FLAME IN THE FOREST

Government-hired contractors are currently doing mountain pine beetle (MPB) survey and control in the forest until the end of March. For more information on MPB, strategies and preventing the spread, click here to visit our website.


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
Cell:  780-740-1341
caroline.charbonneau@gov.ab.ca
 
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