- WIND WARNING IN EFFECT -
Please be advised that the area is expecting warm temperatures and strong gusty west winds of up to 100 km/h. These conditions may melt the snow quickly and expose dry debris. Wind can blow embers into nearby fuels and cause a wildfire. Use extra caution if burning. Ensure that you monitor weather conditions and have sufficient firefighting equipment nearby.
All campfires, regardless of their size, must be fully extinguished. A campfire can smoulder under the ground and snow for weeks and resurface as a wildfire when conditions are right.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Under current conditions, snow can melt quickly and expose the dry vegetation below.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains LOW.
WINTER BURNING TIPS
Industry and landowners often take advantage of the cooler weather to burn debris and brush on their land. However, under current conditions you need to be extremely careful that your actions don’t start a wildfire. We are urging anyone doing winter burning to ensure that their piles have been fully extinguished once completed. If fires are not properly put out, they can spread and burn underground, even under the snow and ice, all winter. Under the right conditions, these fires can re-emerge in the spring as wildfires.
Following safe burning practices will help prevent holdover fires that can start spring wildfires. Although snow helps reduce the risk of the fire burning into the ground, we recommend that you check regularly all fall and winter burn sites to ensure that the fire is out. Walk the burn area and roll over any debris to check for hot spots. The best way to find hotspots is to look for visible signs of burning such as melting snow around the edges, touch the burn area with your hands and smell for smoke.
Here are a few things to consider when burning this winter:
- Monitor wind and snow levels as they may change suddenly. Wind can pick up sparks or embers and start a wildfire if the conditions are right.
- Ensure you have sufficient firefighting equipment at the burn site.
- As with any burning, do not attempt to burn more than you can control.
- Actively manage burn projects to reduce disposal time and smoke impacts. Continually re-pile if needed. Burning debris in stages will allow you to adapt to changing weather conditions and reduce smoke. Lower temperatures and lighter wind speeds can result in stronger inversions. The ideal conditions for burning are typically days with no inversions, average temperatures and a slight wind.
- Please don’t hesitate to consult with local municipalities, Alberta Transportation or Alberta Wildfire on how to mitigate impacts when undertaking larger winter burning projects near communities or roadways. You can also visit alberta.ca for additional information.
- All burn piles must be fully extinguished before the start of wildfire season.
Fire permits are only required during wildfire season and therefore you are not currently required to contact Alberta Wildfire when burning, however we appreciate the information in the event that flame or smoke is reported by the public.
To assist the Edson Forest Area, please report your winter burning by contacting the dispatch line directly (780) 723-8507 (leave a voice message) or by email at wf.wfops-edsn@gov.ab.ca with the following:
- name of landowner burning or company and representative name.
- phone number in case of emergency.
- legal land description or latitude/longitude.
WILDFIRE SURVEY
Learning about wildfires in your community is vital for many Albertans. Please help us better share information when and where you need it most by taking a few minutes to answer our survey: https://bit.ly/3cbKY61.
WE'RE HIRING!
Have you ever wanted to be a wildland firefighter? Here's your chance! We are now accepting crew member applications for the 2022 wildfire season. Join like-minded individuals who have a passion for hard work and building a positive team dynamic. https://bit.ly/37afQST
Hurry, applications close November 30!
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1, 2021, there have been 174 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 830 ha. To date, 70% of the wildfires in our forest area were human-caused and could have been prevented.
We thank those who reported wildfires this year. A total of 62% confirmed wildfires were reported by the public and industry using 310-FIRE or other reporting methods.
EWF124 is UNDER CONTROL. The wildfire is 40 km south of Grande Cache on the border of Jasper National Park within the same burnt area as the 2015 Rock Slide wildfire. The fire is currently estimated to be 7.7 ha in size and determined to be caused by lightning.
EWF075 is UNDER CONTROL. 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. The cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation.
There is no threat to any communities at this time.
The wildfires will be monitored as needed until they are classified as extinguished. To understand what the wildfire classifications mean, visit our website by clicking here.
To view the wildfires on a map, download the new AB Wildfire Status App.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since March 1 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1,320 wildfires burning a total of 52,957 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:
-
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: