Help keep Alberta's forest safe and ensure you fully extinguish your campfire. Soak the ashes, stir them and soak them again until they're cool to the touch. Never leave your campfire unattended.
Do not burn in windy conditions and always adhere to your permit. Dry grass can catch easily and burn very quickly. Any spark, friction or hot exhaust can easily start a wildfire.
If you see smoke or flame and suspect it's a wildfire, call 310-FIRE.
Our AB Wildfire firefighters were busy this week doing chainsaw training. Crews constantly train to ensure their skills are maintained for both safety and effectiveness in their work.
EDSON FOREST AREA FIRE DANGER RATING
The wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area is now HIGH due to warmer temperatures and forecasted winds.
FARM AND ACREAGE PRACTICES FOR WILDFIRE PREVENTION
FENCE LINES AND DITCHES
Unmanaged fence lines, ditches or roadsides usually have a large accumulation of grass, weeds and brush that can act as a wick, carrying intense, quick-spreading fires into your yard, fields or building sites. Manage the vegetation along fence lines and ditches leading up to your building sites or to other values for at least 100 metres (300 feet) in all directions. This can be done by mowing these areas. At minimum, mow them once late in the fall. Herbicide or a weed-eater can also help minimize the vegetation under the wires and between the posts. Remember to ensure that all your corral lines are also free from vegetation that could wick fire into your fenced feed areas.
To learn more on how you can protect your farm and acreage, visit our magazine by clicking here.
HIGHWAY 40 DRIVERS | PLEASE SLOW DOWN IN CARIBOU ZONES
A message from the Caribou Patrol Program and Aseniwuche Winewak Nation.
As some of you have seen or heard, two caribou were struck and killed in vehicle collisions only a week apart last month. We are heartbroken. In a matter of days, the already dwindling local herds lost two bulls, one affectionately named Bruno for his reputation as one of the biggest males many have seen in years.
Since the Caribou Patrol Program was established in 2012, we have been aware of seven caribou (including the two recent mortalities) who have been struck and killed along Highway 40 between the Muskeg and Berland rivers. In the decade-long history of the Caribou Patrol Program, we have never reported two collision-related caribou deaths occurring so close together. Our crew and staff are at a loss for words.
We don’t know what else we can do to protect these environmentally and culturally important animals from preventable vehicle-related death. Every caribou mortality in the last ten years happened outside our patrol times. Due to limited funding and safety, it’s unfeasible and dangerous for our Caribou Patrol crews to be out 24/7. We turn to you, the public, to help us raise awareness and prevent these tragic incidents from becoming a pattern. Please, slow down, pay attention, and do your part to make Highway 40 safe for all road users and wildlife.
To learn more about the caribou patrol, visit their website: https://www.cariboupatrol.ca/
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.
EDSON FOREST AREA WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022, there have been 55 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area burning a total of 39 ha.
PROVINCIAL WILDFIRE UPDATE
Since January 1, 2022 in the Forest Protection Area, there have been 421 wildfires burning a total of 12,604 ha.
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.
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.
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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:
