Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - EWF075 Out of Control - June 22, 2021 (6:00 p.m)

Written by Caroline Charbonneau | Jun 22, 2021 11:57:35 PM

A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area. All burn permits, with the exception of burn barrels are cancelled and no new permits will be issued until conditions improve.

If you're having a campfire, ensure you have plenty of water nearby and always properly extinguish it before you leave. Soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again until they're cool to the touch. Never leave your campfire unattended.

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

Wildfire EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is currently burning out of control 9 km north west of Evensburg, north of highway 16. The wildfire is estimated to be 40 hectares in size and burning towards the south.

There are currently six airtankers, four helicopters, six pieces of heavy equipment and 30 firefighters working towards containing the wildfire.

An evacuation alert is in effect for residents along Highway 16 east of Highway 22 up to Highway 16A. Residents of the Lobstick Resort area are also being evacuated. An Evacuation Centre is being set up at the Evansburg Arena in Evansburg. The Emergency Information number for residents is 1-833-334-4630 in the area.

For more information please visit Alberta Emergency Alert: https://emergencyalert.alberta.ca/ or download the app.

For possible road closures, please visit https://511.alberta.ca/#:Alerts or download the app.

EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is currently burning out of control 9 km north west of Evensburg.

FIRE ADVISORY IN EFFECT

A fire advisory is in effect for the Edson Forest Area.

Under this advisory:

· All existing fire permits are cancelled, with the exception of burn barrels;

· No new fire permits will be issued until conditions change;

· Some essential burning may be allowed, at the discretion of a forest officer.

Prohibited:

· Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire, is prohibited.

Allowed:

· Safe wood campfires *

· Backyard fire pits

· Portable propane fire pits

· Gas or propane stoves and barbecues

· Catalytic or infrared-style heaters

*Safe wood campfires - should be within a metal, brick, or rock fire ring. They are required to:

· Be on rock, gravel, sand, or another non-combustible surface that extends at least one metre around the fire;

· Have a responsible person in attendance to keep fire under control at all times and extinguish before leaving;

· Have on hand enough water on site to extinguish the fire. Safe wood campfires on private lands include private land campgrounds and private land recreation areas; and

· Municipalities, Parks and protected areas may have additional fire safety requirements.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Alberta wildfire firefighters have exceptional training, particularly with chainsaws.

EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now VERY HIGH.

EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 74 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 614 ha. As of today, 92% of our wildfires were human-caused which could have been prevented.

EWF036 was detected on April 30 and is estimated to be 479 ha in size. The wildfire remains classified as under control and is located 20 km south of Carrot Creek, 25 km north west of Cynthia and 45 km south east of Edson.

Crews will continue to search for hotspots and monitor the wildfire until it is extinguished.

The wildfire poses no threat to any community at this time. The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 569 wildfires burning a total of 1,389 ha.

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

FIRESMART TASK OF THE WEEK

Using FireSmart principles is becoming a way of life for many communities in North America. With so many neighborhoods threatened by wildfire each year, residents are taking action and reducing the risk to their homes and properties.

Spring is a great time to make your property Firesmart ready. Here is one easy task you can tackle this week and throughout the summer.

To learn more about FireSmart, visit their website: https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/

WILDFIRE PREVENTION TIPS

Albertans are always asked to use caution when working or recreating in the outdoors:

Before you burn it, get your fire permit. Fire permits in Alberta.
Clear debris from hot spots on your off-highway vehicle.
Ensure your campfire is out - soak it, stir it, soak it again.
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:

Caroline Charbonneau

Wildfire Information Officer | Edson Forest Area

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

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