Edson Area Update

Edson Forest Area Wildfire Update - EWF086 Out of Control - July 1, 2021 (10:45 p.m)

Posted on Thu, Jul 01, 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.

An increase in fire activity on both EWF075 9 km west of Evansburg and the Tomahawk wildfire WCU002 located in Parkland County is producing smoke that is visible from highway 16 and 22. Neither wildfire has burnt past their established boundaries.

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

76 EWF086 July 1 10 pm

EWF086 is currently burning out of control 20 km SW of Edson.

Wildfire EWF086 is currently burning out of control. The fire was detected on July 1, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.

It is located 20 km south west of Edson along highway 47. The wildfire is estimated to be 3 ha in size.

The wildfire activity has diminished and only some surface flame is observed. Twenty four firefighters and six pieces of heavy equipment will work late into the evening to contain the fire.

The firefighters anticipate to have dozer lines and water hose surrounding the wildfire by the morning.

Firefighters and equipment will return in the morning to search for and extinguish hotspots and reinforce the containment lines.

No communities are threatened at this time. The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.


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 17 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 we will support them 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.


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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 85 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 753 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 616 wildfires burning a total of 1,686 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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