Wildfire season in Alberta is from March 1 until October 31. During wildfire season, you are required to have a fire permit if you plan on burning in the Forest Protection Area, with the exception of a campfire. To request your free fire permit, contact the local forest area: (780) 723-8527.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, contact 310-FIRE.
Fighting wildfires in April has unique challenges.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area remains LOW.
NEW WILDFIRE DETECTIONS
EWF012 is estimated to be 5.4 ha in size & EWF014 is 0.5 ha in size. Both are BEING HELD and located in the same vicinity, 17 km north of Cynthia on the west side of highway 753.
Both wildfires are burning in open areas and along the tree line. Fortunately the ground is still frozen and there are large snow patches inside the timber. The fire is consuming mostly matted grass. There are eight firefighters, one water truck and one dozer on site.
EWF015 is BEING HELD, located approximately 18 km east of Hinton and estimated to be 2 ha in size. One firefighter and multiple pieces of heavy equipment are on site.
All three wildfires were detected on April 8 and are currently under investigation. There is no threat to any communities at this time.
To view the wildfires on a map, check out the new wildfire dashboard. It provides up-to-date wildfire information at the click of a button. This interactive tool displays important statistics on the number of active wildfires in the province, sizes, locations, suspected causes and more.
The dashboard builds on the former wildfire status map by displaying the most frequently accessed information in one convenient location.
EWF012 was detected on April 8 and is located 17 km north of Cynthia. No communities are threated at this time.
NEW - ONLINE FIRE PERMIT PORTAL
Albertans living, working or recreating in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.
Fire permits can also still be requested over the phone by calling the local forestry office at: (780) 723-8527. We ask that you plan ahead, there may be delays for a forest officer to visit your site.
For more information regarding fire permits, you can view our video by clicking here.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 18 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 19.30 ha.
2021 - EWF075 is UNDER CONTROL. The wildfire was detected in 2021 and is located 9 km west of Evansburg, north of highway 16 and west of highway 22. The wildfire is 175 hectares in size and the cause is currently under investigation. There is no threat to any communities at this time. The wildfire will be monitored as needed until it is classified as extinguished. To understand what the wildfire classifications mean, visit our website by clicking here.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 39 wildfires burning a total of 22.70 ha.
For more information on the current wildfire situation across the province of Alberta, visit the new wildfire dashboard.
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:
