Areas of exposed dry grass and fine fuels are still a concern and any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire even when the temperatures are cooler. All campfires, regardless of their size, must be fully extinguished.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Some of our firefighters completed the firetack leader course at the Hinton Training Centre last week.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger is now overall MODERATE in the Edson Forest Area, except in the eastern portion where the danger is HIGH. To view the fire danger forecast map, click here.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 92 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 47 ha.
EWF075 was detected on Aug 21 and is classified as under control, which means that the fire is fully contained and will be extinguished. The fire is located approximately 24 km southwest of Grande Cache in Willmore Wilderness Park and firefighters can only access it by helicopter. It's estimated to be 4.0 ha in size.
This wildfire does not threaten any community at this time and was determined to be caused by lightning. To learn more about the classification of wildfires, please click here.
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.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 1,121 wildfires burning a total of 143,440 ha.
Last year on this date, there had been 1,238 wildfires that burnt a total of 53,944 ha. In the past 5 years on this date, an average of 1,057 wildfires burnt an average of 189,763 ha.
CHETAMON WILDFIRE - JASPER NATIONAL PARK
For information on this wildfire, view updates from Jasper National Park on social media by clicking here or subscribe to their information bulletin by clicking here.
FARM SAFETY
Grass fires are common this time of year. Firefighters want to remind everyone that conditions are extremely dry and any spark could easily ignite a fire.
When using any type of machinery including farm equipment and off-highway vehicles take the following precautions:
- Clear debris from moving parts.
- Check your muffler.
- Keep the equipment in good repair.
- Avoid operating equipment in tall grass.
- Keep watch of your surroundings.
- Always carry firefighting equipment on board, a fire extinguisher, axe, shovel and a receptacle filled with at least five litres of water.
FIRESMART EDUCATION PROGRAMS
People living in forested areas need to be aware of the threat of wildfire, and actions they can take to make their homes and neighbourhoods FireSmart.
FireSmart Canada has developed educational programs to help homeowners get started. To learn more about these tools and programs, visit their website: firesmartcanada.ca/programs/.
FIRE PERMITS
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 or you can request your permit using the new, convenient online fire permit portal.
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.
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:
