A fire restriction is in effect for the Edson Forest Area.
A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land. You may have a campfire inside provincial campgrounds and on private property. Fire permits are now cancelled and no new permits will be issued until conditions improve.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
A FIRE RESTRICTION is in place for portions of the Edson Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions, which will increase the fire danger.
Under this restriction:
- Existing fire permits are suspended;
- All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.
Prohibited:
- Wood campfires on public land
- Fireworks and exploding targets
Allowed:
- Wood campfires on private land
- Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
- Backyard fire pits on private land
- Charcoal briquette barbeques
- Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
- Indoor wood fires
- Open flame oil devices
The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.
For more information regarding the fire ban system, visit our website: https://wildfire.alberta.ca/prevention/fire-ban-system.aspx
or you can visit: https://www.albertafirebans.ca/
To view the Ministerial Order: https://wildfire.alberta.ca/wildfire-status/documents/MinisterialOrder-016-2021.pdf
Firefighters must be creative and safety conscientious at all times (June 25, 2021)
EWF075 - OUT OF CONTROL - UPDATE 4:00 P.M
Wildfire EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is currently burning out of control 9 km west of Evansburg, north of highway 16 and west of highway 22. The wildfire has crossed the Lobstick River but not highway 16. The wildfire is estimated to be 180 hectares in size.
No new growth has been reported since the evening of June 22. There is some open flame in the inside of the perimeter of the fire and an increase in fire activity is observed due to the wind and hot temperatures. The fire is mostly smoldering on the ground but at times flares in unburnt tree stands that remain in the interior.
The temperature at the fire is currently 28 C, the relative humidity is 26%. Strong winds are recorded, gusting 20-50 km/h from the north west. The fire did not receive any precipitation yesterday or last night.
Today, 55 firefighters continue to reinforce the containment line, search for and extinguish hotspots with the assistance of three helicopters. Tomorrow, firefighters and helicopters will continue with similar operations until the wildfire is fully extinguished.
Six pieces of heavy equipment are on standby if needed.
UPDATE FROM YELLOWHEAD COUNTY
Yellowhead County has removed the State of Local Emergency as of 6:00 PM on June 24, 2021. It has been determined that the wildfire is no longer a threat to the community and residents are no longer on evacuation alert status.
Yellowhead County Fire Department (YCFD) firefighters will cease hands-on structural protection and will demobilize. Alberta Wildfire firefighters will continue firefighting operations and monitor the fire.
The YCFD structural protection sprinkler systems will remain on houses throughout the weekend as added protection and Yellowhead County firefighters will be testing the sprinkler systems each morning until they are removed on Monday morning.
The Yellowhead County evacuation call centre line is now closed. Residents can call the Yellowhead County administration office in Edson (780) 723-4800 for further information regarding the evacuation and fire.
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 76 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 755 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 580 wildfires burning a total of 1,574 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: