Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - May 2, 2021 (5:00 p.m)

Posted on Sun, May 02, 2021

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A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area. We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. 

During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. At this time, all permits except for burn barrels and essential burning are cancelled and any new permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

Our area has detected numerous wildfires caused by work related sparks, friction and hot exhaust. Equipment repairs, grinding and welding can cause even small amounts of grass to ignite and wildfires to spread easily. When operating equipment, clear debris from moving parts, check your muffler and keep equipment in good repair. Do not operate equipment in tall grass, keep watch of your surroundings and ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment and water available.

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


Wildfire EWF036 was detected on April 30 and is estimated to be 479 ha in size. The wildfire is now classified as being held, which means that given current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past its expected boundaries.

The fire is approximately 10 km west of Eta Lake, 20 km south of Carrot Creek, 25 km north west of Cynthia and 45 km south east of Edson.

Yesterday, the containment line surrounding the full perimeter of the wildfire was completed thanks to the hard work of heavy equipment, firefighting crews and aircraft.

The wildfire has been receiving some precipitation this afternoon. The fire has not grown today and remains inside the established containment lines.

Today and tomorrow, 88 firefighters, three helicopters and 11 pieces of heavy equipment will continue to reinforce the containment lines. Crews will also be searching for and putting out hotspots until this wildfire is fully extinguished.  

We would like to thank everyone working and traveling in the vicinity of the wildfire for taking care when using the roads. Please remember to be cautious of reduced visibly and be aware that crew members, aircraft and equipment are working in the area. 

Airtankers are available to support this wildfire should they be required.

There is no threat to any communities at this time. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.

You can expect the next update on this wildfire to be tomorrow, May 3 unless conditions change.


29 EWF036 May 2 500

Thanks to the hard work of Alberta wildfire firefighting crews, heavy equipment operators and supporting aircraft, EWF036 is now being held. (May 2, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.).


Fire Advisory 2

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area section of the Forest Protection Area due to an abundance of dry fuels, expected warm temperatures, and increased wind speeds. Dry grass and crops are very hazardous and could ignite easily from any spark, friction or hot exhaust. Use extreme caution when working outdoors such as welding, grinding and operating equipment.

At this time, all permits except for burn barrels and essential burning are cancelled and any new permits will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

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 now MODERATE.


EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 36 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 544 ha.

EWF028 was detected on April 16 remains under control. The wildfire is approximately 22 km north of Edson, located approximately 3 km south of Emerson Creek Rd and 3 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. Crews will continue to search for any remaining hotspots and extinguish them. The fire will be monitored until it is classified as extinguished. The cause of the wildfire is still under investigation.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 179 wildfires burning a total of 806 ha.  

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


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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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