We are urging everyone to use extreme caution when working or recreating outdoors. Any spark, hot exhaust or friction will catch easily and burn quickly which could start a wildfire.
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. At this time, no new permits will be issued until dry fuel and weather conditions improve.
There have been several wildfires caused by burning without a permit in our area. If you are found burning without a fire permit, you may be fined $600 or more.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Wildfire EWF028 is showing very little fire activity. (April 17, 2021 at 5:30 p.m)
Updated at 6:30 p.m - Wildfire EWF028 was detected on April 16th and is now being held which means that it is not anticipated to grow outside of its determined boundary. The wildfire is approximately 22 km north of Edson, located approximately 4 km south of Emerson Creek Rd and 4 km west of the Amaco Road. This fire poses no threat to any community at this time. The estimated size of the fire is 35 ha.
Last night, dozers were successful at building a containment line surrounding the fire. Today, the heavy equipment continued to reinforce the guard. Firefighting crews worked hard to establish wet lines with hose to support burning operations to remove the remaining fuel inside the burn area. The three helicopters bucketed water to extinguishing hot spots and assisted with assessing the wildfire.
Tomorrow, 20 firefighters will continue to put out hot spots and assess the condition of the fire.
EWF029 was detected on April 17th at 2:40 p.m and is under control. The fire is located 12.2 km east of Edson and north of Hwy 16 near Pinedale Estates. The fire burnt 8 ha of grass. Crews will assess the fire tomorrow and ensure it's fully extinguished.
The cause of both wildfires are under investigation.
Water trucks supported Alberta wildland firefighters on EWF028 since there were no water sources nearby. (Photo April 17, 2021).
FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT
A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to dry fuels, expected warm temperatures, and increased wind speeds.
There will be no changes to existing fire permits but no new permits will be issued until dry fuel and weather conditions improve.
The public and residents in the Edson Forest Area can continue to use a fire pit, charcoal briquettes on a barbecue, or a safe campfire and recreational off-highway vehicles.
The fire advisory will remain in place until conditions improve.
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.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is VERY HIGH except in the Grande Cache area where the wildfire danger is MODERATE.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1, 2021, there have been 28 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 63 ha.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 101 wildfires burning a total of 100 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit wildfirestatus.alberta.ca
WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS
Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:
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Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
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Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
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Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
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Before you head out this weekend, check out the albertafirebans.ca website or download the app to stay informed.
ALBERTA WILDFIRE INFORMATION
- Subscribe to the Edson Forest Area wildfire update to receive an email when new information is posted.
- Download the Alberta Wildfire App for Apple and Android device.
- Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For more information, please contact: