Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - June 30, 2021

Posted on Wed, Jun 30, 2021

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

We are urging the public to use the utmost care while working and recreating in the outdoors.

In the event of a wildfire, extreme fire behaviour is anticipated. Extreme fire behavior means long flame lengths, faster moving fire, long range spotting of embers and greater potential for the fire to climb from the ground into the forest canopy and spread quickly. This creates serious fire control problems for firefighters.

The Tomahawk Wildfire (WCU002) located in Parkland County has re-ignited and smoke is visible from highway 16.

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

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The smoke produced from the mutual aid wildfire WCU002 - Tomahawk Wildfire located in Parkland County is visible from highway 16. For more information, visit Parkland County's Facebook Page.


EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING

The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains EXTREME. In the event of a wildfire, extreme fire behaviour is anticipated. In preparation, we have pre-positioned our firefighters, aircraft and equipment in key areas to enable them to respond quickly to new wildfires.

Today, 39 wildfire firefighters, six helicopters, two heavy helicopters with large bucketing capacity, one helicopter coordinator and 12 pieces of heavy equipment are ready to respond to any new wildfires. The Edson Forest Area is also being supported by adjacent forest areas and will support them as well if possible.

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SMOKE RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

Please be advised that smoke from multiple wildfires outside of our forest area can be seen. No wildfire in our forest area is producing smoke except for EWF075 located 9 km west of Evansburg. To learn more about smoke produced by wildfires, visit firesmoke.ca. For smoke related health concerns, please visit Alberta Health Services, click here.


Fire Restriction

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/ministerial-orders.aspx

 


EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1, 2021, there have been 78 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 750 ha. As of today, 92% of our wildfires were human-caused which could have been prevented. 

EWF075 was detected on June 22 and is classified as BEING HELD. This means that under current weather conditions and resources, the wildfire is not anticipated to grow past expected boundaries. The wildfire is located 9 km west of Evansburg, north of highway 16 and west of highway 22. The wildfire is 175 hectares in size. 

No new growth has been reported since the evening of June 22. The fire is mostly smoldering on the ground but at times flares in unburnt tree stands that remain in the interior.

Firefighters from across the province are working to contain and suppress the wildfire and will continue to do so until the wildfire is fully extinguished.

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 wildfires pose no threat to any communities at this time. The cause of the wildfires is currently under investigation.

PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE

Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 607 wildfires burning a total of 1,639 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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 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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